Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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205 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "KY" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=23E19F2B-B66D-4C93-BA00-907571B2B5F2 | McConnell Helps Secure More Than $212 Million in Federal Funding for Kentucky Rural Hospitals | 2025-12-29 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded $212,905,591 in federal funds for investment in rural healthcare. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services will receive funding from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program which was authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that Senator McConnell voted in support of. The federal funding distributed this year to Kentucky will be directed toward rural hospitals and will be used in a variety of ways approved by statute. “This significant investment in healthcare is a major win for Kentucky’s rural hospitals and providers,” said Senator McConnnell. “I was proud to help secure the Rural Health Transformation fund in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that Congress passed earlier this year. This legislation helped strengthen safety nets for Kentuckians most in need and works toward a more sustainable and innovative healthcare system in rural areas throughout our country and the Commonwealth.” This federal program was established to help implement structural reforms to failing rural healthcare systems in place of prior temporary patches. The main goals of the program include sustainable access to care, workforce development, innovative care, and innovation in technology to promote healthy lifestyles for Americans. The federal funding will be allocated to approved states over five years. All 50 states were eligible to apply for funding from the RHT, and half of the funds will be distributed equally to approved states while the other half will be allocated based on state metrics and applications to maximize impact as well as address needs. | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=182BD663-CD18-4A42-9C95-7B67265B69C7 | McConnell, Shaheen in The Washington Post: Russia Isn’t Winning Its War On Ukraine. | 2025-12-22 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Jean Shaheen (D-NH) submitted the following op-ed published by The Washington Post: In the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration gave Congress its assessment of Ukraine’s ability to hold back Russian forces. The projection was bleak. Kyiv, they said, would fall in weeks, if not sooner. Yet, the Russian tanks that attempted to topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government were either destroyed or forced to retreat. By April, not only had Putin failed to install a friendly government in Kyiv, his military couldn’t secure a foothold anywhere near Ukraine’s capital. Instead, Ukraine successfully confined Russia’s troops to the far east of their country, where Russia has tried to steal territory since 2015. After almost four years of fighting, Russia has lost about a third of its strategic bombers, and it continues to lose equipment at significantly higher rates than Ukraine. It is Russia that has borne more than 1 million casualties, dead and wounded, in grinding battles of its own making. Pundits who predicted a quick Ukrainian defeat were wrong in 2022, and they are wrong today. Along the way, Republicans and Democrats alike criticized the Biden administration’s excessive caution in refusing to provide Ukraine the weapons it needed, when they could have made the biggest difference. It is more than plausible that the Ukrainians could have achieved a decisive victory and lasting peace if they were simply granted the fighter jets, air defenses and long-range weapons when they initially requested them from President Joe Biden. But American assistance was often too little, too late. In prolonging Putin’s aggression, this hesitation also gave China, Iran, North Korea and other nations working together to undermine American interests new reasons to doubt our credibility and strength. Fortunately, the opportunity for President Donald Trump to end this conflict on favorable terms for Ukraine, America and th… | 1 | 2026-04-03T05:34:17Z | 2026-04-03T05:35:48Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=64EC6C99-2F4C-4127-B7D0-8CC6D4F95C60 | McConnell’s Bill to Support Families of Retired Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Heads to President’s Desk | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Senate approved his measure to ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed or disabled as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, introduced earlier this year by Senators McConnell and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed today. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature. The bill is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean War veteran and law enforcement officer of 55 years who retired in 2009 as Chief of the Tompkinsville, Kentucky Police Department. On August 28, 2012, Chief Proffitt was tragically shot and killed in his driveway by an individual he had arrested a decade earlier. Although his murder was in direct retaliation for his service in uniform, his family was denied benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program because he had retired from his more than half-a-century of service. The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act would amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program eligibility criteria for retired law enforcement officers who have died or become permanently disabled due to a targeted attack directly resulting from their service, and retroactively apply the updated eligibility for claims starting on January 1, 2012. “The loss of Chief Herbert D. Proffitt is a tragic reminder of the risk that follows our finest every day of their lives. This legislation plugs an important hole, ensuring the Proffitt family—and others like them—are supported and assured that the service and sacrifice of their loved ones are never forgotten,” said Senator McConnell. “I’m grateful for our law enforcement officers and their steadfast dedication to keeping us safe, and I applaud my colleagues in the U.S. Senate for honoring their service by passing this bipartisan legislation.” “On behalf of Chief Proffitt’s family and members of the law enforcement commun… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8C0178E7-1BDE-4EAC-9DBB-218A06A36586 | McConnell Praises Passage of National Defense Legislation with Major Kentucky Wins | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) praised Senate passage of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding to train and equip America’s 21st-century military to meet evolving security threats. The bill includes authorization of critical investments secured by Senator McConnell for Kentucky’s military installations and other key defense priorities. With this legislation now on its way to President Trump for his signature, the priorities articulated in the NDAA now depend on passage of full-year defense appropriations. “Passage of this legislation positions our servicemembers stationed in Kentucky to receive the equipment, training, and resources they need to address the threats facing our nation,” said Senator McConnell. “Representing the men and women of the Armed Forces serving in Kentucky is one of my greatest privileges. We owe a special obligation to those who volunteer to serve our country in uniform, and I will continue to support them in the United States Senate.” Blue Grass Army Depot Senator McConnell, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, secured a key provision that safeguards the future of Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) in Madison County. This legislation protects BGAD and other military installations from being closed by the Department of Defense without Congressional notification and a full evaluation of local and strategic consequences. It also requires the Secretary of the Army to provide Congress with an annual report on BGAD and other installations – arsenals, depots and ammunition plants – referred to as the Army’s Organic Industrial Base (OIB). Senator McConnell also secured measures that encourage the Department of Defense to bring new missions to BGAD. These measures direct the Secretary of Defense to study the feasibility of expanding domestic propellant production and support the establishment of an additional artillery munition production line within the Army’s OIB. “For years, I’ve worked with local lead… | 1 | 2026-04-01T05:41:29Z | 2026-04-01T05:42:36Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/senator-paul-introduces-the-health-marketplace-and-savings-accounts-for-all-act/ | Senator Paul Introduces the Health Marketplace and Savings Accounts for All Act | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Senator Paul Introduces the Health Marketplace and Savings Accounts for All Act WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Senator Rand Paul, M.D. (R-Ky.) introduced the Health Marketplace and Savings Accounts for All Act, legislation to make all Americans eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and expand Association Health Plans to provide maximum leverage to negotiate lower premiums with health insurance companies. “Two of the most daunting problems facing Americans are the lack of affordable healthcare options and the fear of exorbitant medical bills,” said Dr. Paul. “With my plan, to provide the leverage needed to reduce the cost of premiums, nearly any conceivable membership entity, such as Costco or Amazon, would be empowered to collectively bargain on behalf of their members with health insurers to lower rates. Additionally, this legislation improves the treatment of health savings accounts so all Americans can obtain them, increases the tax-free maximum contribution by thousands of dollars, and expands what HSAs can be used to pay for, such as health insurance premiums and gym memberships. If we want lower premiums and better care, we need more choice and competition.” Employer-sponsored insurance can offer strong coverage for those who have it, but many Americans do not work for large corporations and cannot access the same bargaining power and economies of scale. At the same time, Americans collectively owe over $200 billion in medical debt, and families often struggle to pay for expenses that fall outside their insurance plans. HSAs already give millions of Americans the freedom and flexibility to save and pay for medical costs insurance does not cover. Contributions are tax-free, balances can grow tax-free, and withdrawals remain tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses. HSAs also stay with an individual for life, regardless of employment status. Dr. Paul’s Health Marketplace and Savings Accounts for All Act wo… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6A66402D-901D-4F7E-92AD-0CF9E3DF326C | McConnell at Hearing on Russian Abduction of Ukrainian Children | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, made the following comments today at a State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee hearing on Russian abduction of Ukrainian children: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for convening this hearing. And thank you all for being here today. “I’d like to offer a particular welcome to you, Madam Ambassador. Getting a town that’s often consumed by its own metaphorical political warfare to pay attention to the harsh realities of your country’s real-life war for survival is a challenge – and I commend you for your work. “Russia’s systematic abduction of Ukrainian children is horrifying. And it’s just a small glimpse into the tremendous pain and suffering that Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine has caused. Putin has stolen children from innocent families, and his war has stolen youth from a generation of Ukrainians. “As I’ve said before, we should know enough history by now not to dismiss this as just ‘a quarrel in a faraway country, between two people of whom we know nothing.’ “That’s Neville Chamberlain, by the way. And we know how his dismissive attitude to Hitler’s aggression toward Czechoslovakia turned out. “Like then, there’s a clear aggressor and a clear victim today. Like then, the moral and strategic dimensions are not in conflict for the West. Like then, we have an interest in the outcome of this war. “But the price of peace matters. It must be a just peace, especially for the innocent children and families torn apart by Putin’s war. It must be an enduring peace. And I’m concerned that this sort of peace will remain out of reach until we’re willing to put more concerted pressure on Putin and sustain support for Ukraine.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B4C7BF5E-3380-4229-A58E-F8FE68D59C33 | Chairman McConnell in The Wall Street Journal: Peace Through Strength Is Worth Paying For | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, wrote the following op-ed on FY26 Defense Appropriations that appears in today’s print edition of The Wall Street Journal. What time is it in America? “This is a 1939 moment. Or, hopefully, a 1981 moment. A moment of mounting urgency,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently said. He is right about the gathering threats to America’s national security. But the lesson of 1939 is that fighting war is far costlier than deterring it. Defeating the Axis powers saw U.S. defense spending hit 37% of gross domestic product. The defense budget request for fiscal 2026 from the Office of Management and Budget shows America risks forgetting this hard-won lesson. If our goal is to make this a “1981 moment”—as in the first year of the Reagan administration, when under-investment in the U.S. military was turned around—we must deliver more consistent support for defense. President Reagan’s peace-through-strength Cold War budgets allocated about twice as much as we spend now as a percentage of GDP. Today, in the face of many significant adversaries, spending more on defense is simply necessary. It must not be controversial. I urged President Trump at the beginning of his second term to reject calls to narrow the scope of U.S. strategic interests and to invest in the armed forces and defense industrial base. Mr. Trump rightly disregarded the advice of isolationists and conducted decisive strikes against Iran while sustaining the Aukus partnership with Australia and the U.K. The president wants the best possible military for America and has set ambitious priorities such as a comprehensive missile defense, aka Golden Dome, and a shipbuilding renaissance. I have supported him in these endeavors. But with 59 days until interim government funding runs out, it remains to be seen whether Mr. Trump’s administration and Congress will seize the opportunity provided by the Senate’s full-year defense appropriations bill for… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7687FE8F-E007-4637-B904-B594D914AAFC | President Trump Signs into Law McConnell’s Bill to Address Substance Abuse Epidemic and its Impact on Workforce | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that President Trump has signed into law the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025. This legislation includes the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act of 2025, which Senator McConnell introduced earlier this year. The CAREER Act assists individuals recovering from substance use disorders by funding stable, transitional housing and offering essential support to help them reenter the workforce and sustain employment. This legislation reauthorizes and strengthens two successful programs established under the original CAREER Act: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support Grant Program and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Recovery Housing Program. Since the CAREER Act was first signed into law in 2018, Kentucky has received over $12 million in federal funding. These funds have been distributed to organizations throughout the state to tackle workforce participation challenges linked to substance abuse. For the past six years, Senator McConnell has championed the CAREER Act and secured its funding through the annual appropriations process. His legislation has played a vital role in helping countless Kentuckians rebuild their lives, offering the stability of housing and the opportunity for meaningful employment. “I thank President Trump for recognizing the value of this program and the dedicated organizations helping individuals, affected by the substance abuse epidemic, to reenter the workforce,” said Senator McConnell. “In Kentucky, this crisis has taken lives at an alarming rate, impacting not only families and communities, but also our workforce. That’s why I’m proud to continue leading efforts to combat the epidemic’s devastating impact on American workers and our economy. This crisis demands our ongoing attention, and we will keep working to provide Kentuckians in recovery with t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D39228E9-F178-4FDB-AD0A-86B2B59B2903 | McConnell on Taiwan’s Special Budget Request, Defense Investments Across Indo-Pacific | 2025-11-26 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding President Lai’s $40 billion special budget request for defense: “From historic new investments in Australia to accelerated defense spending timelines in Japan, America’s allies and partners across Asia are demonstrating that they take threats to our shared security seriously. At the epicenter of the PRC’s aggressive ambitions, President Lai’s request for an historic special budget investment to bolster Taiwan’s defenses with cutting-edge American-made capabilities is welcome news. “As Western-aligned nations around the world take the increasingly aligned threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea more seriously, we must not shirk our own responsibilities. From Taiwan and the Philippines to Israel and Ukraine, standing with friends and partners in the crosshairs of authoritarian aggression remains in America’s national interests. Today, more than ever, we must practice what we preach and make sustained annual investments in our own military to meet growing global threats.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2BD7F33F-0783-451F-8BAE-77612A1455AB | McConnell Helps Secure More Than $8.7 Million for Upgrades to Lexington and Louisville Bus Systems | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that two Kentucky transit agencies will receive $8,724,000 in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund improvements to their bus maintenance facilities. The competitive federal grants awarded to the Transit Authority of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (Lextran) and Louisville’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC) come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration through the Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which was funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Senator McConnell supported. Senator McConnell also wrote letters to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in support of the transit agencies’ grant applications. $6,100,000 in federal funding to Lextran to procure new vehicles for their existing fleet. According to Lextran, they would acquire seven new buses and ten paratransit vehicles to replace outdated equipment. “Lextran will use this federal funding to replace several vehicles that are nearing the end of their useful service life,” said Senator McConnell. “These new buses will improve reliability, increase efficiency, and help Lextran carry out its mission to provide dependable transportation services for families and workers across Lexington.” “Receiving this grant is a proud achievement for our agency that reinforces our commitment to the community we serve. Adding 10 new paratransit vehicles and 7 fixed-route buses to our fleet strengthens our transportation network. These investments will enhance connectivity for riders, improve the reliability of our daily service, and elevate safety across all operations. We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Federal Transit Administration and Senator McConnell for this investment,” said Fred Combs, AICP, Lextran General Manager. $2,624,000 in federal funding to TARC to create a new dedicated bus brake maintenance shop to consolidate the entire brake maintenance operation int… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9E5260CE-748D-446F-BC51-1FD52A38690C | McConnell Statement on Ukraine | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, released the following statement today: “Putin has spent the entire year trying to play President Trump for a fool. If Administration officials are more concerned with appeasing Putin than securing real peace, then the President ought to find new advisors. Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests. And a capitulation like Biden’s abandonment of Afghanistan would be catastrophic to a legacy of peace through strength.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=ABACFADF-AB42-4888-A57D-5A2E2CC71867 | Senator McConnell Secures Over $11 Million for Kentucky Agriculture and Rural Communities | 2025-11-13 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that he secured more than $11 million in federal funding for several Kentucky-focused priorities included in the final FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report. Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a key role in shaping the legislation that President Trump signed into law last night. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture $10 million for the University of Kentucky and USDA Agricultural Research Services (ARS) Forage-Animal Production Unit. The federal funding will be used to construct a new state-of-the-art agricultural research laboratory at the University. This builds upon federal funding previously secured by Senator McConnell for the project in FY 2020. “This federal investment marks a major step forward for agricultural research and innovation at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture,” said Senator McConnell. “I was proud to secure this funding on behalf of UK, which will support agricultural research vital to our farmers and rural communities.” “We are deeply grateful to Senator McConnell for his continued leadership and steadfast support of Kentucky agriculture. This investment strengthens a decades-long partnership between the University of Kentucky and the USDA Agricultural Research Service — one that has yielded innovations vital to our state’s signature industries, from beef and equine production to the emerging hemp economy,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “With this funding, we can continue developing science-based solutions that advance the productivity and profitability of Kentucky farms and improve the livelihoods of those who sustain them.” Ohio County Healthcare $1.35 million for Ohio County Healthcare (OCH) Hospital Infrastructure Improvement Project. This federal funding will support critical infrastructure upgrades at Ohio County Healthcare, including replacing the roof of the main hospital in Hartford, restructuring patient care areas, and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F3976C1E-8E32-44C9-B2D3-9D0079005A1F | Senator McConnell Secures Federal Funding for Kentucky’s Defense Facilities | 2025-11-13 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that he secured $147 million in federal funding for military construction projects at several Kentucky military facilities. The funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report. Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a key role in shaping the legislation that President Trump signed into law last night. "I'm honored to represent multiple key military installations in Kentucky that play a critical role in our national defense," said Senator McConnell. “The legislation we passed—and that the President signed—will support essential construction projects across the state. This bill makes an important investment in Kentucky’s contribution to the American defense industrial base by funding plans for a U.S.-based military shipping container production facility at Blue Grass Army Depot. It also provides substantial funding to modernize our military infrastructure at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, both of which are home to some of our military’s most distinguished Army units, as well as the Kentucky National Guard—further reinforcing Kentucky's deep importance to our national defense." Senator McConnell requested federal funding to support the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD), Fort Campbell, Fort Knox and the Kentucky National Guard. Blue Grass Army Depot $27 million in federal funding for the planning and design of a military container production facility at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County, Kentucky. The Department of Defense’s global logistics operations rely heavily on 20-foot metal shipping containers for logistics and deployment, yet most of these containers are currently manufactured in China. While BGAD already operates a small facility focused on maintenance and repair of shipping containers, this federal funding will support plans for the construction of a new container production facility—advancing dome… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9BC0F429-AEAA-4DF4-B5DA-38FFC1E72CA4 | McConnell Hemp Provision Targets Intoxicating THC Products; Protects Industrial Hemp and CBD | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) secured language in the FY 2026 Senate Agriculture Appropriations bill to close a loophole that has allowed the sale of unregulated intoxicating THC products to be manufactured and sold nationwide, while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products. The measure locks in the original intent of the 2018 Farm Bill, which sought to create an agricultural hemp industry, not open the door to the sale of unregulated, intoxicating, hemp-derived substances with no safety framework. Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture and Appropriations Committees, played a key role in crafting the legislation. “The language I helped secure in the Agriculture Appropriations bill addresses a serious concern regarding the manufacturing and selling of unregulated, intoxicating THC products nationwide,” said Senator McConnell. Once the FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill passes in the Senate and the House, it will go to President Trump for his signature. The hemp provision would accomplish the following: Industrial hemp: Defines “industrial hemp” to clarify that hemp that is used for industrial applications — such as seed, stock, fiber, grain oil — or hemp used in federally authorized research, drug trials, or research at an institution of higher education, including at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Synthetic “hemp” products: Prohibits synthetic cannabinoids. THC Limits in final hemp products: Excludes intoxicating THC products that contain more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per package/container from the definition of hemp. Preserves Farm Bill definition in hemp plants: Leaves in place the 0.3% limit on total THC for hemp plants growing in the field. Protects CBD: Does NOT place any limits on the amount of non-intoxicating CBD products that can be in a product or container. Industrial hemp and CBD products that contain traceable or low amounts of THC would continue to be legal. Implementation and Guidance: To help giv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-pauls-remarks-defending-the-hemp-industry/ | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | WASHINGTON DC – Tonight, November 10th, 2025, Dr. Paul delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding his amendment to remove language in the government funding package that targets the hemp industry. The amendment would protect farmers, processors, and small businesses by striking provisions that impose restrictive regulations on hemp farmers and hemp-derived products. Watch the full remarks here. | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z | |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5D8EA719-A5C0-4415-AC25-49A2C143B41F | McConnell Delivers Senate Floor Speech on Louisville UPS Plane Crash | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding yesterday’s UPS cargo plane crash in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky: “I know that many of our colleagues will have seen the tragic news out of my hometown yesterday. And I’m grateful that their thoughts and prayers this morning are with the people of Louisville. Folks around Jefferson County need those prayers right now, and in the days and weeks to come. “The death toll from last evening’s UPS cargo crash has risen throughout the day. For the families of these victims, and for the injured survivors being treated at area hospitals, life will never be the same. “There’s a lot of grief welling up right now in Kentucky. This would be true even in the case of a single life lost. But as local first responders, state officials, and federal investigators continue their work today, I’d like to help our colleagues understand what makes this tragedy such a gut punch in a place like Louisville. “During the day, Louisville International hums with thousands of passengers from across the country. But around the clock, Louisville is also a hub for global shipping and logistics. Business supplies, consumer goods, Christmas gifts… if it’s going somewhere in short order, there’s a good chance it’s passing through UPS Worldport in Louisville. None of this is possible without teams of devoted professionals. “Louisville is home to logistics experts, warehouse workers, aircraft crew and maintainers. They take pride in their work, and their community takes pride in them. That’s why this crash cuts so deep. It’s about all of us. Today, Jefferson County schools and many local businesses are closed. Neighbors are mourning neighbors. “So today will be a tough day in the Commonwealth. But the people of Louisville are grateful for the swift, life-saving efforts of our first responders from local police, fire, and EMS. They can trust in the prayers of their fellow Americans. And I want them to know that their … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=19BCE5B7-33C2-4A63-A5A0-5E55A6E4341B | Vice President Dick Cheney | 2025-11-04 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney: “Elaine and I join the Senate and the entire nation in mourning the loss of former Vice President Richard B. Cheney. “America’s 46th Vice President and President of the Senate will be remembered for decades of deeply patriotic and highly capable service to our republic. From the highest reaches of power in Washington, Dick Cheney served with a profound and humble appreciation for the rules, principles, and institutions that sustain America’s experiment in self-governance. “Rarely in our history have immense organizational competence, far-sighted vision, and sheer force of will coincided as they did in the leader who served as White House Chief of Staff, U.S. Representative, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States. From his stewardship of the Department of Defense from the end of the Cold War through the Gulf War to his steady counsel to President Bush when terrorists launched a war against America on September 11, 2001, his intellect, experience, and resolve made America safer. As grave threats to our security continue to loom, his commitment to American leadership will remain a lesson. “Today, we join Vice President Cheney’s wife, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and the entire Cheney family in mourning a monumental life.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=36624A39-889F-4B36-9F0C-78112B640845 | McConnell on the Passing of Former Governor Martha Layne Collins | 2025-11-01 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins: “As Kentucky’s first female governor, Martha Layne Collins was known for breaking barriers. Governor Collins was a tireless advocate for all levels of education in Kentucky, and that passion carried her throughout her life. She also promoted growth in the Commonwealth by bringing the Toyota Plant to Georgetown stimulating the regional economy. It is with deep sadness that Elaine and I learned about Governor Collins’ passing, and we send our sincere condolences to her husband, Bill, and her two children.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8BF5E4BA-D796-46C7-BB53-ACD9372385F0 | McConnell: Servicemembers Deserve Open Gov’t, Full-Year Defense Funding | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the consequences of Democrats’ shutdown for the U.S. Armed Forces and the need to pass full-year defense appropriations: “Government shutdowns have real consequences. I’ve said so countless times. “Incredibly, it seems to have taken Democrats a month to remember that the proverbial stove is, in fact, hot. And yet, they’re not ready to turn it off… Just turn it down a notch… Just low enough that they can take the political heat. “My friend from Delaware is right: Our military deserves a lot better than a government shutdown that jeopardizes their paychecks and the services military families count on. “During Democrats’ shutdown, the President has had to scrape together unobligated balances within the Defense budget in order to uphold the nation’s promise to servicemembers through another pay period. “I certainly hope he won’t have to divert resources from urgent modernization again to make payroll in another two weeks. But that ball, of course, is in the Democrats’ court. And I hope they’ll realize soon that the surest way to help servicemembers and civilian DoD employees is to simply turn government funding back on… and pass full-year appropriations. “I know my counterpart on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, of all people, understands this. He knows what would really help our armed forces – because he and I worked closely together on a full-year bill for defense that would pay servicemembers and invest more in the capabilities they need to keep America safe. “I’m grateful for Senator Coons’ collaboration on the bipartisan bill that earned overwhelming support in committee and would add $22 billion above the President’s defense request. This, by the way, is the bill that almost every Democrat voted against considering two weeks ago. I know the Ranking Member cares about the promises we make to the all-volunteer force a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D1763366-63E6-4404-8FDD-B932A4691CB7 | McConnell on Tariff Votes | 2025-10-28 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, released the following statement today on the Senate’s consideration of resolutions to terminate national emergency tariff authorities: “I’m approaching this week’s votes on tariffs the same way I did earlier this year, and the same way I have my entire career. “Protectionists in Washington insist that the past several months have vindicated the policy of indiscriminate trade war against both close allies and strategic adversaries. But Kentuckians are especially well-equipped to sort the bluster from the truth. “New trade barriers imposed this year have made it harder to sustain the supply chains that let thousands of Kentuckians build cars and appliances in the Commonwealth. Retaliatory tariffs on American products have turned agricultural income upside down for many of Kentucky’s nearly 70,000 family farms. Bourbon has been caught in the crossfire from Day One. And consumers are paying higher prices across the board as the true costs of trade barriers fall inevitably on them. “Protectionists eagerly celebrate the revenue from tariff duties. But they don’t talk nearly as much about how much of that revenue they’ll spend protecting American growers and producers from the avoidable harm of their policies. “Tariffs make both building and buying in America more expensive. The economic harms of trade wars are not the exception to history, but the rule. And no cross-eyed reading of Reagan will reveal otherwise. This week, I will vote in favor of resolutions to end emergency tariff authorities.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D7B7D925-E2B6-4B95-AF84-9DBBB2EF4BD2 | McConnell Statement on the Passing of Former Warren County Sheriff Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Warren County Sheriff Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Warren County Sheriff Jerry 'Peanuts' Gaines. Sheriff Gaines devoted nearly four decades to serving the public—making him the longest serving sheriff in Kentucky history. An accomplished leader, Sheriff Gaines served as President of the National Sheriffs’ Association and President of the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association. His work in founding the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys & Girls Ranch leaves an enduring legacy that should be celebrated. The impact Sheriff Gaines made on his community touched the lives of many, and I am grateful for his lifetime of service and dedication. Elaine and I are thinking of his family during this difficult time.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E140D446-FDCB-45B9-AFCA-2E5C87E7584F | Senate Confirms Chad Meredith of Kentucky for Federal Judgeship | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the Senate’s confirmation of Chad Meredith of Lexington to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky: “Congratulations to my friend and fellow Kentuckian Chad Meredith on his confirmation to serve as a district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Chad’s impressive legal background in the private sector and devotion to serving the public make him an excellent addition to the federal bench. His thoughtfulness and commitment to our Constitution will serve him well as he carries out his new duties.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E8B09FBE-455E-48D6-9558-F97B7B6E6538 | Democrats Block Bipartisan Defense Priorities | 2025-10-16 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, released the following statement today following Democrats blocking the Department of Defense Appropriations Act: “Two weeks ago, when Democrats chose to take the federal government hostage for partisan priorities, I warned that there would be nothing to gain from their shutdown. Today, our colleagues’ refusal even to begin considering the overwhelmingly bipartisan defense appropriations bill is a sobering reminder that there is, however, much to lose. “Providing for the common defense is a solemn Constitutional obligation. It is gravely important every year — no less so in the face of the bipartisan consensus about the growing threats from increasingly aligned adversaries. “Last week, the Senate passed a National Defense Authorization Act that raised the defense topline by more than $30 billion to meet these growing threats. However, without appropriated dollars, such an authorization only grows the gap between our rhetoric and our action. “Our adversaries are not standing still. They are growing their military capacities and preparing for the changing realities of modern warfare. The longer we wait to make sizable investments in our own defense, the more difficult it will be to restore deterrence and achieve peace through strength.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/icymi-dr-rand-pauls-end-the-feds-big-bank-bailout-act-considered-in-the-senate/ | ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul’s End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act Considered in the Senate | 2025-10-10 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul’s End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act Considered in the Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor ahead of consideration of his amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act. This legislation targets the Federal Reserve’s twin types of interest payments that act as subsidies for big banks: Interest on Reserve Balances (IORB) and the Overnight Reverse Repurchase Agreement (ONRRP). Together, these two subsidies have cost taxpayers more than half a trillion dollars in just the last five years. The amendment failed (14-82). Remarks as delivered: “The Federal Reserve pays both foreign and domestic banks to simply park their money in Fed accounts. In other words, to not loan money at all. Over the past five years, the Fed’s big bank bailout amounts to over half a trillion dollars. This bailout causes the Fed to operate at a loss, which means that the Fed cannot remit profits to the taxpayer as it normally does. According to the economist Judy Shelton, if these payments stopped, banks would buy treasury securities and would bring interest rates down. Some people say that this program is a floor to interest rates. My amendment ends these subsidies. Let’s end the Fed’s big bank bailout. Let’s lower interest rates. Please vote for my amendment.” Watch the remarks HERE. Read the bill HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A6C99506-7147-4EF3-90AA-67A373F4E563 | McConnell Statement on the Passing of Retired Judge Walt Maguire | 2025-10-09 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of retired judge Walt Maguire: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend, Walt Maguire. Walt and I attended law school together at the University of Kentucky, and his impressive judicial career spanning 29 years is a testament to his public service. His devotion to others was evident by his extensive involvement in the community—teaching classes at UK and Somerset Community College, as well as serving on several state judicial councils. Walt’s friendship meant a lot to me, and I always enjoyed seeing him when I was in Somerset. Elaine and I are thinking of his family and friends during this difficult time.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-offers-amendment-to-2026-ndaa-to-end-the-feds-big-bank-bailouts/ | Dr. Rand Paul Offers Amendment to 2026 NDAA to End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailouts | 2025-10-09 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Offers Amendment to 2026 NDAA to End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailouts WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) announced he is offering his bipartisan bill, the End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act (S.2113), as an amendment to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to end the Federal Reserve’s authority to pay banks interest on reserves. This policy has cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars while punishing Main Street and rewarding Wall Street. “Our country is over $37 trillion in debt, yet the Fed has paid hundreds of billions to banks to keep money idle. While it runs losses and no longer sends profits back to taxpayers, it keeps funneling cash to banks for doing nothing” said Dr. Paul. “We want to end the Federal Reserve’s twin types of interest payments that act as subsidies for big banks: Interest on Reserve Balances (IORB) and the Overnight Reverse Repurchase Agreement (ONRRP). Together, these two subsidies have cost taxpayers more than half a trillion dollars in just the last five years.” Until 2008, the Federal Reserve paid no interest to banks on reserve balances. That changed after the financial crisis, when Congress authorized the payments as a tool to control the money supply. The payments averaged $5 billion annually from 2008 to 2016. But with the Fed’s rate now above 4 percent, these payments have ballooned at nearly $200 billion in three years, costing taxpayers tens of billions of dollars each year. Meanwhile, the Fed itself operates at a loss. “At a time of persistent and self-imposed worsening losses at the Fed, the manipulators of the American economy continue to pay banks to do nothing but have their funds sit in a safe,” said Dr. Paul. This amendment is up for consideration by the Senate later today. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/chairman-rand-paul-introduces-the-safeguarding-personal-information-act-of-2025/ | Chairman Rand Paul Introduces the Safeguarding Personal Information Act of 2025 | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Chairman Rand Paul Introduces the Safeguarding Personal Information Act of 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.) of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has introduced the Safeguarding Personal Information Act of 2025, legislation to repeal the federal mandate requiring every state to share citizens’ personal data and redesign driver’s licenses to meet federal standards. “REAL ID is effectively creating a national ID card with no limit on the personal information being shared between all 50 states, the District of Columbia, possessions, and territories,” said Chairman Rand Paul. My bill repeals this dangerous mandate and restores the privacy, due process, and First Amendment rights stripped away in 2005. The government should not have a dossier on every American. You should never have to ‘show your papers’ to travel freely within your own country or enter a building your tax dollars paid for.” REAL ID forces the states to adopt uniform federal standards for driver’s licenses and IDs, embedding machine-readable technology that makes it easier for the government to track U.S. citizens’. To obtain one, Americans must surrender layers of personal documentation, including proof of identity, a Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of lawful presence, and in some cases, proof of name change. After gathering these documents, citizens often wait weeks for DMV appointments or stand in hours-long lines, paying additional fees in many states simply to upgrade their licenses. These documents are then stored and can be shared across state databases. Only IDs that comply with these federal rules are accepted for “official purposes,” such as boarding commercial flights, entering federal buildings, or accessing other federally controlled spaces. In practice, the REAL ID Act functions as a domestic passport that conditions basic rights—like travel and petitioning your government—on … | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-highlights-the-economic-benefits-of-right-to-work-policies-at-help-committee-hearing/ | Dr. Rand Paul Highlights the Economic Benefits of Right-to-Work Policies at HELP Committee Hearing | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Highlights the Economic Benefits of Right-to-Work Policies at HELP Committee Hearing WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, participated in a hearing titled “Labor Law Reform Part I: Diagnosing the Issues, Exploring Current Proposals.” As the Committee continues its review of proposed federal labor reforms, Dr. Paul underscored the importance of protecting worker freedoms, limiting bureaucratic interference, and preserving the right to liberty of contract. “In February 2025, Dr. Paul reintroduced the National Right to Work Act. The bill does not add to existing federal law but deletes existing forced-unionism provisions and restores worker choice.” During today’s hearing, Dr. Paul entered into the record statements from 29 industry associations opposed to the Faster Labor Contracts Act and 45 business organizations opposed to the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, reflecting broad concern that these proposals would weaken flexibility for both workers and employers. Dr. Paul questioned witness Rachel Greszler, a labor economist, on how right-to-work policies affect states’ economic performance, wages, and job creation. Greszler affirmed that right-to-work states have seen roughly twice the employment growth and triple the population growth compared to non–right-to-work states over the past 50 years, citing their ability to attract businesses seeking fair and predictable labor laws. “Over the past 50 years, right-to-work states have seen double the job growth and triple the population growth,” Greszlersaid. “That’s because businesses are confident, they can operate without a union taking control over their operations, and workers can choose how they want to participate.” Dr. Paul also noted that the right to liberty of contract is a fundamental principle of a free economy. “Some have argued, such as … | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2D75C1C8-4D34-4119-80B5-E0B5BFD3B260 | McConnell On 10/7 Anniversary: “Israel has sacrificed greatly in the pursuit of peace” | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | “In the two years since terrorists invaded Israel to rape, murder, and kidnap innocents, Hamas has chosen every day to compound needless suffering. Israeli hostages and Gazan civilians, alike, have died as a direct result of the cowardly tactics of Iran’s allies and proxies.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, released the following statement today on the two-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel: “In the two years since terrorists invaded Israel to rape, murder, and kidnap innocents, Hamas has chosen every day to compound needless suffering. Israeli hostages and Gazan civilians, alike, have died as a direct result of the cowardly tactics of Iran’s allies and proxies. “By contrast, Israel’s military and security services have worked tirelessly to stamp out the ring of fire that had long menaced the Jewish state and destabilized the region. They have worked to destroy Hamas’ military capacity, decapitate Hizballah, degrade Iran’s network for exporting terror, and bring home hostages abducted on the deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. “Israel has sacrificed greatly in the pursuit of peace, taking great pains to avoid innocent suffering in a battle against an enemy for whom innocent suffering is the goal. Hamas could have ended this war at any time by simply releasing the hostages. “Israel’s resolve and bold tactics created the conditions for a potential resolution to this conflict and for restored deterrence against Iran. President Trump has been right to provide Israel the time, space, and support to achieve its war aims, and his decision to authorize U.S. strikes against Iran made good use of this hard-won opportunity. “If, indeed, Hamas is prepared to release its remaining hostages, the return of innocent Israelis and Americans to their homes and families would end a two-year vigil of heartache. I will look forward eagerly to their return, and I commend the bravery of the Israel Defense Fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A558D402-5DD9-4AD4-A477-6360CA7F66F1 | McConnell: Fort Campbell and Fort Knox Schools Allowed to Resume Extracurricular Activities | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today following the Department of Defense decision to allow athletics and extracurricular activities to resume at DoDEA schools, including those at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox: “This decision provides welcome relief to the Fort Campbell and Fort Knox schools and their students, student-athletes, parents, and everyone who supports their school programs. I want to thank the Secretary of Defense for creating an exception to allow athletics and extracurricular activities at DoDEA schools to continue. Our servicemembers and their children shouldn’t pay the price for Washington’s failure to fund the government. I’m so grateful they’ll now be able to suit up and get back in the game. “While this is good news, it doesn’t address the real issue. Democrats need to end the shutdown. As I have warned every time Congress faced this threat: no one wins in a shutdown. Shutting down the government is harmful to the country, and it never produces positive outcomes – on policy or politics. And what happened at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox is just one example of the impact it’s having on our constituents.” NOTE: Senator McConnell sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth last Friday regarding the issue. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=FF873583-A664-4B8A-976A-304A7A7B1A37 | McConnell: Delivering “Trump Buildup” Will Require Serious, Full-Year Defense Appropriations | 2025-10-03 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, delivered the following floor remarks today regarding the path forward for Pentagon appropriations once Democrats end their gov’t shutdown, the National Defense Strategy, and Republican support for U.S. military aid to Ukraine: “Mr. President, my position on government shutdowns is well-known. There’s absolutely nothing to gain in taking basic government functions hostage for eleventh-hour partisan demands. And I hope our Democratic colleagues will re-learn that lesson in short order… Because the American people have plenty to lose from freezing important functions of the federal government. “Here in the Senate, Democrats’ shutdown is taking time we ought to be spending on important outstanding business, beginning with our obligation to provide for the common defense. In particular, our work to deliver full-year defense appropriations is not finished. So I’d like to talk briefly about what must come next after interim government funding is extended. And what’s at stake for our national security. “The U.S. military is not immune from the disruptive short-term consequences of a government shutdown. But the long-term consequences of going without robust, full-year defense appropriations are far graver. I offered this warning in the spring, when – for the first time – Washington told America’s men and women in uniform to conduct today’s operations and prepare for tomorrow’s threats using yesterday’s dollars. We put the national defense on a full-year continuing resolution and forced the military services to function for another year on the anemic defense budget signed into law by President Biden for FY 2024. “A full-year CR is the enemy of readiness, modernization, and efficiency. The armed services want to make their budgets simpler, more efficient, and more flexible by consolidating budget lines. But they can’t do it under a full-year CR. Punting new appropriations directly contradicts the Pentago… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/chairman-paul-brings-to-light-bidens-quiet-skies-weaponization-releases-damning-documents-into-the-record/ | Chairman Paul Brings to Light Biden’s Quiet Skies Weaponization, Releases Damning Documents into the Record | 2025-09-30 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2025 Contact: HSGACPress_Paul@hsgac.senate.gov, (202) 224-4163 Chairman Paul Brings to Light Biden’s Quiet Skies Weaponization, Releases Damning Documents into the Record WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, convened a hearing to examine the Biden administration’s abuse of the TSA’s Quiet Skies Program and entered newly obtained documents into the record. The hearing followed an investigation Chairman Paul launched in 2024 and a report released yesterday detailing his findings, which revealed how the Quiet Skies Program and related watch lists were weaponized into political surveillance tools used against veterans, sitting lawmakers, political opponents, and even the family of a Federal Air Marshal. The Committee heard testimony from Mark Crowder, a Senior Federal Air Marshal with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and whistleblower whose wife was placed on a watch list in a case of mistaken identity; the Honorable Tristan Leavitt, President of Empower Oversight; Matt Taibbi, Editor of Racket News; Jim Harper, Senior Nonresident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; and Abed Ayoub, National Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. “I commend Secretary Noem for ending Quiet Skies, but our work is not done. We must make sure that this program does not come back under another name. Every official who directed or approved surveillance of Americans for protected speech must be removed from office. Full transparency must become the rule rather than requiring a year of investigation,” said Chairman Paul. “The result will be a process that respects the Constitution, ends real life shadow bans against Americans and gives all of us the assurance that our government is focused on protecting us, not on chasing political ghosts.” “The Quiet Skies Program has been used for nearly two decades to target and surveil everyday Americans, violating our const… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/flash-report-bidens-tsa-targeted-veterans-lawmakers-and-air-marshals-wife/ | Flash Report: Biden’s TSA Targeted Veterans, Lawmakers, and Air Marshal’s Wife | 2025-09-29 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. –Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee opened an investigation into TSA’s Quiet Skies program in 2024 after reports it was weaponized against Americans. Today, Dr. Paul released a flash report of his findings, exposing how TSA’s Quiet Skies program, and related watch lists, were twisted into political surveillance tools under the Biden administration. The release comes ahead of tomorrow’s hearing, Examining the Weaponization of the Quiet Skies Program, scheduled for 10:00 AM. A Whistleblower, a Federal Air Marshal first mentioned in Senator Paul’s recent op-ed in The American Conservative, will testify before the Committee. The report reveals Tulsi Gabbard, a combat veteran and former congresswoman, now serving as Director of National Intelligence, was surveilled on at least five flights in 2024.This surveillance began only one day after she publicly criticized Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Three Republican lawmakers were matched to TSA’s Silent Partner and/or Quiet Skies Rules right after engaging in some kind of political activity, including opposing the Biden administration. At least two dozen Americans were placed on watch lists for protesting mask mandates or removing a mask on an aircraft. Following January 6, 2021, TSA issued a directive authorizing the watch listing of individuals based solely on suspected travel to Washington, D.C., without any specific evidence of unlawful conduct. The most shocking revelation is that the wife of a Federal Air Marshal was branded a domestic terrorist and subjected to invasive monitoring, even though no evidence ever linked her to unlawful activity on January 6, 2021. She was placed in the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Database and, for two years, followed on domestic flights by Federal Air Marshals, who reported her movements and interactions, sometimes on a minute-by-minute basis. Her name was finally cleared o… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=58E90BEC-C1C3-450F-B38A-679AB8628764 | McConnell Helps Secure Federal Grant to Support Substance Abuse Recovery and Job Training in Appalachian Kentucky | 2025-09-26 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the Fletcher Group will receive more than $9.2 million in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for its Connect Appalachia project. The competitive federal grant is part of the ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) program. The Fletcher Group, and partners including the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, will use the funding to implement a comprehensive economic development, workforce development, and substance abuse recovery program across six Appalachian states—including all Kentucky counties served by the ARC. “I appreciate the Fletcher Group’s hard work in helping Appalachian counties, including those in Kentucky, and I was pleased to contact the Trump Administration on their behalf to help secure this federal funding,” said Senator McConnell. “The Fletcher Group is doing great work to address the impacts of the substance abuse and opioid epidemic. This federal funding will allow them to build workforce pipelines between employers and treatment and recovery providers, helping individuals in recovery find and maintain meaningful employment.” "I want to thank Senator McConnell for his continued support of projects like this that help Kentuckians maintain recovery and obtain meaningful employment, and we look forward to partnering with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation to achieve these goals in communities throughout Appalachia Kentucky. While progress has been made to reduce the number of overdose deaths in Kentucky and across the nation, there is still more work to do to reverse the tragic impact of substance use. That is why this project is so important as we will work to help transform lives,” said Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Fletcher Group, Ernie Fletcher. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=99B1AA96-9C0B-46BF-A69B-121F9E1BD644 | McConnell on Support For Ukraine: Administration Must Turn Words Into Action | 2025-09-24 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, issued the following statement: “I welcome President Trump’s acknowledgement that Ukraine can defeat Russia’s brutal aggression. For years, President Biden’s dithering and hesitant efforts to help Ukraine defend itself only prolonged this conflict. This year, senior members of President Trump’s Administration have consistently recommended he take the same disastrous approach to this awful war. Meanwhile, reality has been unmistakable: passivity in the face of aggression will not stop Putin. Self-imposed constraints will only delay the peace the President rightly seeks. “The President has identified Russia as the aggressor, and clear majorities of Americans, including Republicans, support continued military assistance to Ukraine; his Administration should act accordingly. If senior Department of Defense officials continue to blame NATO allies for provoking Russia, freeze or limit security assistance to Ukraine, or oppose further investments in security cooperation with Ukraine and vulnerable NATO allies, in defiance of the support expressed overwhelmingly by House Republicans last week, they are undermining President Trump’s efforts to end the war. The Commander-in-Chief should not tolerate such freelance policymaking that weakens his leverage and undercuts investments in peace through strength. “The world is watching to see if President Trump’s Administration translates his rhetoric into action.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=FDC6D0C8-40DF-41D5-8E60-F13CE2912057 | McConnell Statement on Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey | 2025-09-24 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding the passing of Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my longtime friend and Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey. John was a dedicated public servant who made an indelible impact on our community and for 27 years as Sheriff he worked tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe. His recognition as the 2025 Sheriff of the Year was a testament to his unwavering commitment to law enforcement and the respect he earned from all who knew him. Elaine and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Jefferson County Sheriff's Department during this time.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/paul-kaine-schumer-shaheen-wyden-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-reassert-congressional-authority-over-tariffs/ | Paul, Kaine, Schumer, Shaheen & Wyden Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Reassert Congressional Authority Over Tariffs | 2025-09-18 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Paul, Kaine, Schumer, Shaheen, & Wyden Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Reassert Congressional Authority Over Tariffs ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/paul-kaine-klobuchar-warner-and-schumer-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-reassert-congressional-authority-over-tariffs/ | Paul, Kaine, Klobuchar, Warner, and Schumer Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Reassert Congressional Authority Over Tariffs | 2025-09-17 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Paul, Kaine, Klobuchar, Warner, and Schumer Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Reassert Congressional Authority Over Tariffs WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA), as well as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), announced that their legislation to undo President Donald Trump’s International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada has been refiled. Since Trump launched his trade war with Canada, exports of U.S. distilled spirits declined by about 62 percent, and tourism from Canada to the U.S. fell by 33.9 percent. The legislation passed the Senate in a 51-48 vote in April but has not been taken up by the House of Representatives. It is privileged, so the Senate will be required to vote on it. “No president should be able to abuse emergency powers to bypass Congress and unilaterally impose import tariffs—taxes—on the American people,” said Paul. “These tariffs hit families, farmers, and small businesses the hardest, and in Kentucky they devastate cornerstone industries like car manufacturing, bourbon, homebuilding, and shipping. Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority and stop this economic overreach before more jobs and industries are destroyed.” “It is time to end President Trump’s senseless trade war with Canada, one of our closest allies and top trading partners. The American people overwhelmingly oppose it, and it has already done lasting damage to the bilateral relationship, which can be seen in declines in Canadian tourism to the United States, and declining sales of American products in Canada,” said Kaine. “It is our responsibility as Congress to step in when the President abuses their authority. If the Senate once again passes a resolution to terminate this misguided trade war, the House should join us and say enough is enough.” “The president cannot abuse his power to continue an unjus… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-introduces-six-penny-plan-to-balance-the-federal-budget-in-five-years-2/ | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Six Penny Plan to Balance the Federal Budget in Five Years | 2025-09-16 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Six Penny Plan to Balance the Federal Budget in Five Years WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced the Six Penny Plan, a federal budget resolution that will balance on-budget outlays and revenues within five years by cutting six cents off every dollar projected to be spent over the next five fiscal years. During the current fiscal year, the federal government overspent and added $2.1 trillion to the gross national debt; an increase of $16,117 for every U.S. household. The federal government’s overspending for FY2025 is projected to result in the third-highest deficit in U.S. history. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the United States is on track to record the third-largest deficit in American history this year. Interest payments on the debt now surpass the America’s military spending, underscoring how runaway borrowing is crowding out core national priorities. With the national debt exceeding $37 trillion, it now stands at nearly twice the value of all bank deposits in the country. Put another way, even if all American bank accounts were emptied to pay down the debt, the amount would cover only about half of what Washington owes. When Dr. Paul first introduced a penny plan in 2017, a simple spending freeze was enough to balance the budget within five years. Today, because of years of reckless spending, achieving balance requires reducing projected spending by six percent annually. Under the Six Penny Plan, the first year would result in spending at 94 percent of current levels, with annual reductions of six percent continuing until balance is achieved in year five. After the fifth year, spending would be allowed to rise at the same pace as revenues over the next five years. “I introduced my first Penny Plan in 2018, prior to that, a spending freeze was all it took to balance the budget in five years,” said Dr. Paul. “Today, runaway deficits and s… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/chairman-rand-paul-uncovers-new-evidence-of-fauci-deleting-official-records-calls-him-to-testify-before-hsgac/ | Chairman Rand Paul Uncovers New Evidence of Fauci Deleting Official Records, Calls Him to Testify Before HSGAC | 2025-09-12 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Chairman Rand Paul Uncovers New Evidence of Fauci Deleting Official Records, Calls Him to Testify Before HSGAC WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), has formally called for Dr. Anthony Fauci to testify before the Committee. Recently uncovered emails directly contradict Dr. Fauci’s repeated denials before the House Oversight Committee in 2024, when he testified under oath that he had never deleted federal records or sought to obstruct the release of public documents. The Committee’s letter to Dr. Fauci, sent September 9, 2025, requests the full production of all emails, messages, and call records from 2018–2023 related to the origins of COVID-19, gain-of-function research, EcoHealth Alliance, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and other key actors. The letter also formally requests that Dr. Fauci testify before HSGAC this fall to clarify his previous testimony and address the growing body of evidence suggesting that he sought to conceal records from congressional investigators. Dr. Rand Paul said in the letter, “During the course of its investigation, the Committee has obtained records revealing that you directed employees of the National Institutes for Health (NIH) to destroy federal records. These documents suggest your direct involvement in efforts to conceal information related to the Committee’s investigation and appear to contradict your previous testimony before Congress. Accordingly, I request that you provide additional information and formally invite you to appear before the Committee to clarify your previous testimony.” In one February 2, 2020, email—just one day after the now-infamous “Proximal Origins” call— a conversation between Jeremy Farrar, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Francis Collins shows their intent to “get ahead of the science and narrative of” the origins of COVID-19. Later, Dr. Fauci instructed then-NIH Direct… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1EB690BA-5B7E-47CD-8345-094E90751992 | McConnell in CJ: We Must Reject The Political Violence That Took Charlie Kirk's Life | 2025-09-11 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) penned an op-ed for The Courier-Journal today regarding political violence threatening the fabric of American society: Charlie Kirk was a husband, a father of young children and a man of faith. His death yesterday is gut-wrenching on those grounds, above all else. I’m keeping Charlie’s family in my prayers as they try to make sense of the senseless, as are so many Kentuckians who were drawn to his work in the public eye. Of course, Charlie’s death will be remembered not just as a personal tragedy but an assassination — an escalation of the political violence that increasingly threatens the fabric of our society. If you’re worried and angry about that trend, you’re absolutely right to be. In Congress, it is tempting to declare a particularly tense or emotionally charged debate as unprecedented or corrosive. As something of an elder statesman, I often find myself reminding colleagues that we’ve been through worse than today’s recurring gridlock. In fact, our Constitution anticipated and encouraged lively debate. Our system of government was built for it. Passionate disagreement is a sign of the health of our democracy. And guardrails exist to protect it. Throughout my career in the Senate, I’ve tried to reaffirm these guardrails: I’ve been a staunch opponent of restrictions on free speech. I’ve fought repeatedly to preserve the right to political speech in elections (even for deep-pocketed Democratic opponents) and in the public square (even for flag-burners). In the Senate, I’ve fought just as hard to protect the rights of the minority party to unlimited debate (even when my side wasn’t the one that stood to gain). Guardrails matter. They keep the American experiment rolling. But if passionate disagreement is a sign of health, political violence like yesterday’s sickening display is a sign of decay. To excuse or encourage it is to place a cynical bet against America. Whatever an assassin’s deluded justification, there is nothing less American than to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-paul-reintroduces-the-duplication-scoring-act/ | Dr. Paul Reintroduces the Duplication Scoring Act | 2025-09-11 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Paul Reintroduces the Duplication Scoring Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Duplication Scoring Act, which seeks to reduce the size of government by eliminating duplicative programs and prevent further duplication within the federal government. “As we fight to rein in current wasteful spending, this reform would better enable Congress to make more fully informed decisions by adding a layer of oversight that will help stop waste in government before it ever happens,” said Dr. Paul. Background: For over 10 years, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has documented more than 1,800 cases of duplicative programs. In its most recent report, GAO found the U.S. government has saved about $600 billion by adopting GAO’s recommendations. However, these savings only account for just over 66 percent of GAO’s identified programs, suggesting billions of taxpayer dollars are still being wasted on duplicative programs. While it will take time to eradicate all of the identified duplicative programs, this bill would work to prevent Congress from standing up these programs in the first place. The Duplication Scoring Act seeks to prevent the passage of fragmented, overlapping, and duplicative government programs by: Requiring GAO to review each committee-reported bill or joint resolution and determine if it at risk of duplicating or overlapping with an existing program, office, or initiative previously identified in a GAO duplication, fragmentation, and overlap report. Requiring GAO to submit this assessment to the director of CBO and the corresponding Committee. The Duplication Scoring Act was last introduced in 2023 in the 118th Congress on a bipartisan basis. The bill was reported favorably out of Committee by voice vote on March 29, 2023. You can read the bill in its entirety HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-reintroduces-the-bonuses-for-cost-cutters-act/ | Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces the Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act | 2025-09-11 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces the Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), continues his efforts to rein in wasteful spending and reform government by reintroducing the Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act. Currently, federal law allows an agency’s Inspector General to pay bonuses of up to $10,000 of savings realized when a federal employee identifies waste, fraud, or mismanagement of funds. Dr. Paul’s legislation would expand these categories to include identifying surplus or unneeded funds. “Successfully tackling our debt crisis requires vigilance at all levels of government, from lawmakers in Congress to the employees on the front lines that carry out the day-to-day spending. The pressure in Washington to spend all you can before the end of the fiscal year so you can get even more in the future is enormous. Bonuses for Cost-Cutters pushes back against this status quo, providing additional incentive to save taxpayer resources,” said Dr. Paul. Bonuses for Cost-Cutters would also ensure 90 percent of the savings are automatically directed toward deficit reduction, with agencies free to apply any remainder toward other agency priorities, subject to current law. You can read the Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=C307F226-FA6E-4952-B1C3-A86B608466D8 | McConnell Statement on the Passing of Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw | 2025-09-10 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw: “For nearly 30 years, Bobbie’s effective leadership made local government accessible, reliable, and responsible for all Jefferson County residents. Bobbie’s drive for excellence touched everything she did, and we all greatly benefited from her nationally-recognized service. Time and again, Bobbie earned the trust of her constituents, and she upheld the integrity and dignity of her office each and every day. The qualities that made her an exceptional public servant also made her a remarkable friend. As Elaine and I cherish the warm memories of Bobbie, we extend our condolences to her family and all of her colleagues and friends.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=C5ABCC77-3F51-47F2-8EEC-8C86E31748A4 | McConnell Secures Federal Funding to Fight Opioid Addiction in Kentucky | 2025-09-10 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will distribute $706,113 in federal funding to the Commonwealth of Kentucky through the State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant Program. The funding will be used to expand the Recovery Housing Program, which was created by Senator McConnell’s Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act in 2018. The Recovery Housing Program is a transitional housing pilot program to help states increase access to safe transitional housing for individuals in addiction recovery while they rehabilitate and reenter the workforce. Today’s funding will be used to develop and expand the recovering housing program to assist young adults with their recovery and their reentry into the workforce. In February, Senator McConnell introduced the CAREER Act of 2025 to enhance the workforce reentry and recovery housing programs created in the 2018 law. Since becoming law, the CAREER Act has directed nearly $12.5 million to the Commonwealth, helping hundreds of Kentuckians recovering from substance use disorder. “Kentucky’s workforce continues to feel the effects of the opioid epidemic that plagues our nation. I’m proud to have championed the CAREER Act in the Senate which helps combat this crisis by providing funding for resources helping those in recovery get back into the workforce,” said Senator McConnell. “This announcement is yet another step in the right direction giving our communities much needed assistance in transitional housing and continuing to help our youth get their lives back on track.” Today’s federal funding will be allocated to the Commonwealth of Kentucky which the state then distributes to programs across the Commonwealth that help prevent, reduce, and treat opioid abuse. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CB882CDB-BEEE-4F67-B74C-B2D033FE7603 | McConnell Statement on State Senator Jimmy Higdon | 2025-09-04 | 2025 | 2025-09 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding the announcement by State Senator Jimmy Higdon to not seek reelection: “Jimmy Higdon is a legislative titan of the Kentucky General Assembly. His devotion to making the Commonwealth a better place through his work on transportation and infrastructure issues leaves behind an enduring legacy for generations to come. I am proud to have worked together with Jimmy on several important transportation projects like the Brent Spence Bridge, the Mountain Parkway in Eastern Kentucky, and the I-69 bridge in Henderson, Kentucky. While I am sad Jimmy is retiring, I’m confident he will continue to have a deep impact for the remainder of his term. I’m grateful for his more than 20 years of service to Kentucky, and for his several decades of friendship. Elaine and I wish him, Jane, and his entire family well in the next chapter of their lives.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BEDDC952-C14C-41E2-BEC6-5650F7154A21 | McConnell Statement on the Passing of Dr. Robert Meriwether | 2025-08-05 | 2025 | 2025-08 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of Paducah neurosurgeon, Dr. Robert Meriwether: “Elaine and I were saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend Dr. Robert Meriwether. A renowned Paducah neurosurgeon with decades of experience in the medical field, Dr. Meriwether contributed to his community in so many ways. He spent his career helping those in dire need while also making a difference through numerous organizations including the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees and the Paducah Rotary Club. His work leaves a rich legacy, especially in the hearts of those closest to him. Our thoughts are with his wife, Gloria, and his entire family during this most difficult time.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:02:47Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=559C8086-3886-47B0-95BB-397680854911 | McConnell Helps Secure Federal Funding for the City of Winchester | 2025-08-01 | 2025 | 2025-08 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the City of Winchester will receive a $2.7 million federal grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to upgrade sewer infrastructure at the Winchester Industrial Park. The improvements will include the installation of a new sewer line that will impact the businesses located at the industrial park. “This federal funding is welcome news for the City of Winchester and will provide the resources it needs to improve the infrastructure at the Winchester Industrial Park, which will support existing businesses and accommodate future development,” said Senator McConnell. “I'm pleased to see this ARC grant program deliver more wins for our state, and I'll continue to champion the infrastructure priorities of Kentuckians who need our help." "We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to Senator McConnell, his staff, and the Kentucky Grants Program for their vital support in helping Winchester and Clark County address infrastructure capacity challenges in our industrial park. This investment strengthens our ability to attract new businesses, support existing industries, and drive long-term economic growth in our region,” said Brad Sowden, Executive Director of the Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority. “What a win for our community! This funding is a major step forward—not just for our infrastructure, but for our future. With this investment, we’re giving our local businesses room to grow and sending a clear message that Winchester is open for opportunity. I’m incredibly proud of our team for getting us here, and deeply thankful to ARC and to Senator Mitch McConnell for recognizing and believing in the potential we’ve always known our city holds,” said Winchester Mayor Jo Ellen Reed. "WMU is committed to providing infrastructure that allows Winchester and Clark County to prosper, and we are very excited to receive funding for the Flanagan and Madison Phase II Project. We are very fortunate and thankful for the ongoing suppor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:02:47Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=840F4AFD-388D-4BA9-AABC-526015E3410C | McConnell: We Should Grow Hemp and Protect Kids at the Same Time | 2025-08-01 | 2025 | 2025-08 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, delivered the following floor remarks today regarding his continued efforts to protect children’s health, support industrial hemp and CBD: “I rise today to discuss the original intent of the 2018 Farm Bill’s federal hemp legislation, and the need to restore it. Earlier this year, a report from the University of Kentucky found that cannabis-related poisonings among Kentuckians under age 18 rose 43% between 2023 and 2024. And, emergency room visits are rising steadily, too. Calls to the Poison Control Center in Kentucky regarding cannabis have doubled in the last five years and more than 40% have been about children younger than age 12. “Children all over the Commonwealth, from Laurel County to Jefferson County, are facing serious health and safety concerns due to THC poisoning from hemp derived products. So are children all across the country. How did we get here? Let’s take a step back. “In 2014, I led the effort to secure pilot programs for industrial hemp, and I led the effort to legalize the crop in 2018. This industry has seen tremendous growth—especially in Kentucky. Hemp is used in food, clothing, paper, plastic, and many other consumer products. Its versatility gave farmers hope for a new, profitable cash crop. “Unfortunately, some companies looking to make a quick buck have been exploiting a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill by taking legal amounts of THC from hemp and turning it into intoxicating substances. They take these synthetic chemicals and use them as ingredients in appealing, snack and candy-like products and distribute them in familiar packaging. “Children love candy! They can recognize well-known brands of candy before they can even read! The packaging on these snacks is nearly identical to a pack of Oreos, Doritos, or Skittles. Little do kids know, these products are all laced with intoxicating, synthetic chemicals. Click HERE for examples via FDA “Young children are consuming thes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:02:47Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B4F8A259-289E-4DA0-BAF7-9CE4E117BBE8 | McConnell and Coons in The Washington Post on FY26 Defense Appropriations | 2025-08-01 | 2025 | 2025-08 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee wrote the following op-ed for today’s digital edition of The Washington Post: On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved our bill that would invest $852 billion in national defense over the next fiscal year by a decisive 26-3 vote. It would restore aid to Ukraine, boost assistance to our European and Pacific allies, and go beyond the president’s budget request (and the funding approved by our counterparts in the House) to modernize the U.S. military and defense industrial base to meet tomorrow’s threats. This bill is an urgently needed step in the right direction. America’s adversaries — principally China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — are investing heavily to blunt our military advantages, threaten our interests and undermine our influence. They’re collaborating on military technology, providing each other with diplomatic cover, and otherwise facilitating one another’s aggression and hegemonic aspirations. Countering this growing alignment requires strengthening our own alliances and partnerships with smart soft-power investments in global health and humanitarian aid that deny China opportunities to supplant U.S. influence. First, however, it means healthy investments in American hard power. On this front, we have our work cut out for us. This year, the Pentagon has had to meet payrolls, train forces, procure weapons and sustain operations with funds based on estimates made more than a year ago. That’s because, for the first time ever, Congress and the administration funded our military through a continuing resolution at spending levels set in 2023 instead of passing an updated budget. This was a tremendous missed opportunity to make serious, full-year investments in readiness, modernization and industrial capacity, and it has already had enormous consequences. For example, even af… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:02:47Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A0D0ABB9-45E4-42C8-B109-EB681A4CED8C | Chairman McConnell Opening Statement at FY26 Defense Appropriations Markup | 2025-07-31 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, delivered an opening statement at this morning’s full Senate Appropriations Committee markup of the FY26 Defense bill. Below is the opening statement as prepared for delivery: I’d like to thank Ranking Member Coons, and our combined staff for their dedicated, and often exhausting, work to produce the FY26 Defense Appropriations bill. And I’d like to thank our fellow members of the Subcommittee, who I know share our sense of duty to provide for the common defense, year after year. Just briefly, I’ll sum up the rationale behind this year’s legislation. First, the Senate bill recognizes the Administration’s intention to restore peace through strength, the Department of Defense’s desire to achieve “drone dominance”, and the President’s interest in having more missiles than any other country. It reflects the need to build more ships for a Navy that must compete with China. It acknowledges that America’s adversaries are increasingly aligned and investing more heavily in undermining our interests… and that America must take the risk of simultaneous conflict in multiple theaters seriously. But ultimately, our topline allocation of $852.5 billion – which sits higher than either the President’s budget request or the House’s mark – underscores that we cannot seriously address these challenges while artificially constraining our resources. We can’t build a Golden Dome… or restock our munitions magazines… or bring back American shipbuilding… without sustained, increasing investments in our national defense. And we can’t treat reconciliation like a cure-all. I was glad to vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill. But let’s not kid ourselves – it was not the additive defense spending some of us had hoped for. Moving must-pay bills for major long-standing programs from base to reconciliation still makes little sense to me. And somehow, the process seems to have also allowed important programs to slip through the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=221D27F3-5C81-42F7-8D95-74E3349CA7A8 | McConnell Comments on the Passing of Betty Lou Weddle | 2025-07-30 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of Betty Lou Weddle of Liberty, Kentucky: “Elaine and I were incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of our good friend in Casey County, Betty Lou Weddle. When I first sought my current office back in 1984, it was Betty Lou and her late husband, T.M., who took me around their community to meet voters and local leaders. We remained in close contact for the next four decades, and every time I visited Casey County, Betty Lou was always the first person I met with to discuss what mattered to her area. We worked together on the Central Kentucky Ag-Expo Center in Casey County – a project that reflects the hospitality, passion, and instinct for public service Betty Lou displayed throughout her life. “Betty Lou contributed her entire life to her Casey County home as a farmer, teacher, and community leader. She was deeply committed to her husband throughout their 68 years of marriage and raised two children, Tom and Linda, who have followed in her footsteps as public servants of the highest degree. I share my deepest condolences with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and will hold the entire Weddle family in my prayers.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2AE96B07-795C-4773-9F20-5683B5D18DCA | McConnell Introduces Kentuckian at Judicial Nomination Hearing | 2025-07-30 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today before members of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of S. Chad Meredith, of Lexington, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a district judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky: “Mr. Chairman and distinguished Members of the Committee, today it is my distinct privilege to introduce my fellow Kentuckian, Chad Meredith. “President Trump made an outstanding choice for his nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Earlier this year, I proudly recommended Chad to the White House and as you will see from today’s hearing, he has the intellect, skill, and experience to excel as a federal district court judge. “One of the Senate’s most important constitutional responsibilities is to offer its advice and consent with respect to executive nominations, and I take very seriously the responsibility to carefully consider every nominee, especially for vacancies in my home state. “Chad is a bright lawyer with a stellar resume and a distinguished record of public service, but I would like to share with you how I first met him. “Chad interned with my office in 2003. The internship program provides college students with the opportunity to enhance their education as well as increase their knowledge of issues important to both the Commonwealth and our country. Interns are selected on the basis of strong scholastic and extracurricular achievements as well as an interest in the governmental process, and I’ve been impressed to watch a former McIntern through the decades succeed in the legal field, public service, and now to be nominated to the federal bench. “Chad graduated summa cum laude from Washington and Lee University and summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Following his formal education, he sharpened his legal skills with two judicial clerkships with then-District Judge Amul Thapar on the Eastern District of Kentucky and Judge John Rogers on the Sixth … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=62CB8D5D-C6B5-48DE-8E9F-534FE7E3062C | McConnell Remarks at McCain Institute Russia Task Force Event | 2025-07-30 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at a McCain Institute event “Highlighting Policy Recommendations for Post-War Russia.” Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery: It’s hard to think of a more appropriate home for the Task Force’s important work than the McCain Institute, or a more fitting ringleader than a proud McCain alumnus like Dan Twining. My good friend, John McCain, was so unapologetic and clear-eyed about the scope of America’s interests. And he relished being the speck in Vladimir Putin’s eye through his solidarity with the free peoples of eastern Europe… He supported the expansion of the greatest military alliance in the history of the world… And stood for the right of sovereign nations to choose their destiny. When Putin called the fall of the Soviet Union the “greatest political catastrophe of the 20th century,” John understood that he meant it, and urged our colleagues to take Russia’s neo-Soviet ambitions seriously. In the not-so-distant past, that sort of clarity – acknowledging that Russia still threatened America’s interests – could invite public scorn… …Like the sort of sanctimonious condemnation a certain former colleague of mine received from President Obama during a prime-time debate. We heard that Putin would moderate… That his ambitions were limited… And that anyone who suggested otherwise was a dusty Cold Warrior past his prime. Well, to that I say: It is so good to be among friends! *** Needless to say, the importance of grappling with Russia’s behavior and motivations can no longer be laughed away. Wake-up call is perhaps the most tired phrase of the past three years. And yet that’s exactly what Putin’s escalation in 2022 was: an urgent, overdue, uncomfortable, and undeniable alarm. It was a reminder that the realities of geopolitics don’t care which region we’d rather prioritize or what we’d rather spend our treasure on. The bravery of Ukraine’s defenders and th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EF9E5731-BD99-4E4E-BD83-D8B721F96711 | McConnell Comments on the Passing of Bill Deaton | 2025-07-30 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the passing of Bill Deaton of London, Kentucky. “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, Bill Deaton. A successful businessman and leader in London, he will be remembered for his generosity and his entrepreneurial spirit. His legacy will surely be remembered by many. Elaine and I send our sincere condolences to Judy, his wife of 58 years, his children, his grandchildren, and all his family and friends.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/committee-approves-dr-rand-pauls-royalty-transparency-act/ | Committee Approves Dr. Rand Paul’s Royalty Transparency Act | 2025-07-30 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Committee Approves Dr. Rand Paul’s Royalty Transparency Act WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) announced that their bipartisan Royalty Transparency Act has advanced in the Senate following committee approval. The legislation requires the disclosure of royalty payments from both government employees and advisory committee members in an effort to increase government accountability. Under current law, federal employees are not required to report the source or amount of royalty payments they receive for their government-related work. This lack of transparency prevents taxpayers from holding individuals accountable within the federal government for conflicts of interest and other abuse. Congressman Morgan Griffith is leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The bill was approved overwhelmingly by a vote of 13-0. “Distrust in public health officials is at an all-time high. One way to restore trust is to make sure that public policy isn’t influenced by personal gain. The Royalty Transparency Act will allow more information to be seen by the public to ensure federal decision makers, and the policies they write, aren’t being influenced by the royalty payments they receive,” said Dr. Rand Paul. Currently, federal employees are not required to disclose the source or amount of royalties they receive for inventions, patents, or licensing agreements connected to their official duties—even when those payments come from private companies. The Royalty Transparency Act closes that loophole. You can read the Royalty Transparency Act HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-pauls-bipartisan-risky-research-review-act-approved-by-senate-homeland-security-and-governmental-affairs-committee/ | Dr. Rand Paul’s Bipartisan Risky Research Review Act Approved by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee | 2025-07-30 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul’s Bipartisan Risky Research Review Act Approved by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), announced that his bipartisan Risky Research Review Act has passed out of committee following a successful markup. The legislation, which establishes the first-ever independent oversight body for gain-of-function and other high-risk life sciences research, was approved overwhelmingly by a bipartisan vote of 11-2. “We must demand accountability for the grave oversights that were revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our nation and the trust in its institutions depend on it. My bill not only strengthens transparency but also ensures that public health decisions are made in the best interest of the American people, free from financial motives and prioritizing national security,” said Dr. Paul. U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, is an original cosponsor of the legislation in the Senate. “Life science research can yield breakthroughs that help protect the health of Americans, but it must be done with proper safeguards in place,” said Sen. Peters. “By creating an independent oversight agency, this bill will help maintain control of high-risk research, to ensure it’s effective, innovative, and safe.” U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment, introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Gain-of-function research is reported to be a potential target of a future President Trump Executive Order. As someone who has extensively investigated COVID-19 origins and biosafety concerns in foreign labs, it is clear to me that greater oversight measures are needed to review gain-of-function researc… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/homeland-security-committee-approves-bill-to-streamline-federal-disaster-assistance/ | Homeland Security Committee Approves Bill to Streamline Federal Disaster Assistance | 2025-07-30 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Homeland Security Committee Approves Bill to Streamline Federal Disaster Assistance WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), announced committee approval of the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation he co-led with Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) to make it easier, faster, and safer for individuals and communities to receive federal disaster aid. The bill was approved overwhelmingly by a vote of 13-0 during committee markup on Wednesday, July 30th. “Over the past few years, Kentucky has endured several deadly tornados and flash floods, leaving significant damage and displacing thousands throughout the Commonwealth,” said Chairman Paul. “Many of those impacted have expressed challenges in receiving quick assistance and updates from government agencies. As part of my commitment to always put Kentuckians first, I’m proud to cosponsor the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, which will reduce the burden on disaster survivors by ensuring the process of receiving aid is simple and speedy.” “In the aftermath of a disaster, families who are working to rebuild their homes and their lives are facing enough challenges, they don’t need the additional burden of complicated paperwork,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense bipartisan legislation will establish one universal application to reduce the burden on disaster survivors who are seeking federal assistance to help with recovery.” The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act will: ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A27D08E3-0C31-4C83-A64A-11396B3595A7 | Senator McConnell Joins Colleagues in Advocating for Critical NIH Research Funding | 2025-07-25 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) signed on to Senator Katie Britt’s (R-AL) letter to Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating for the disbursement of appropriated funds for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The letter requests that the administration fully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, which contains critical funding to support NIH initiatives across a range of research areas -- cancer, cardiovascular disease, rare pediatric disorders, and more. The Senators wrote: “We are concerned by the slow disbursement rate of FY25 NIH funds, as it risks undermining critical research and the thousands of American jobs it supports. Suspension of these appropriated funds - whether formally withheld or functionally delayed — could threaten Americans' ability to access better treatments and limit our nation's leadership in biomedical science. It also risks inadvertently severing ongoing NIH-funded research prior to actionable results. “We share your commitment to ensuring NIH funds are used responsibly and not diverted to ideological or unaccountable programs. We are confident Secretary Kennedy and Director Bhattacharya are well positioned to uphold gold standard research by ensuring that NIH awards are grounded in transparency, scientific merit, and a clear alignment with national interests. Our shared goal is to restore public trust in the NIH precisely because its work is focused on results, accountability, and real-world impact. Withholding or suspending these funds would jeopardize that trust and hinder progress on critical health challenges facing our nation. Ultimately, this is about finding cures and seeing them through to fruition.” Joining Senators Britt and McConnell on the letter were Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=962047F8-66B1-458E-B96C-7F9F5EB1946C | McConnell Praises President Trump’s Selection of Paducah as Future Home of AI Infrastructure | 2025-07-24 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) today praised the Trump Administration’s selection of the Department of Energy’s Paducah Site, home of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP), as one of four locations for cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and energy generation projects: “This is great news for the Paducah community, and I want to thank President Trump for selecting the Paducah Site to host new AI infrastructure. The site at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has long held a critical role in advancing U.S. national security, and is poised, yet again, to be a national leader in an emerging and important technology. I am proud of the Paducah community and its workforce and know they are prepared to continue working closely with the Department of Energy to further instill PGDP’s role in national security while helping facilitate greater U.S. leadership in AI.” NOTE: Earlier this year, Senator McConnell contacted U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright on behalf of the community in support of Paducah’s submission for the nationwide search for the highly competitive Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure on DOE Lands program. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/senator-rand-paul-reintroduces-audit-the-fed-bill/ | Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces Audit the Fed Bill | 2025-07-17 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces Audit the Fed Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Rand Paul (R-KY) has reintroduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, famously known as “Audit the Fed” legislation to require a full audit of the Federal Reserve’s operations and increase congressional oversight of its decision-making. In conjunction with the bill’s reintroduction, Senator Paul also released the latest edition of his Waste Report, which exposed the Federal Reserve’s $600 million cost overrun on renovations to its Washington, D.C. headquarters—now projected to cost taxpayers $2.5 billion in total. The report underscores the lack of transparency and accountability at the Fed, which remains exempt from a full audit by Congress or the Government Accountability Office. “No institution holds more power over the future of the American economy and the value of our savings than the Federal Reserve,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s long past time for Congress to stop shirking its duty and hold the Federal Reserve accountable.” “It is Congress’ duty to hold the Fed accountable,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). “For too long, the Federal Reserve has operated behind closed doors while making decisions that impact the American economy. Throughout my service in Congress, I have worked to audit the Fed, and this legislation is necessary to shine a light on the Fed’s operations and provide transparency to Congress and American taxpayers.” “Idahoans deserve to know what the Federal Reserve is doing to our nation’s economy,” said Senator Jim Risch (R-ID). “Congress must hold the Fed accountable and pull back the curtain on the actions of this unelected Washington establishment.” “I support this effort to provide more transparency to the American people and more insight into how the Federal Reserve operates. This bill is a common-sense step towards good government,” said Senator Todd Young (R-IN). The Federal Reserve Transparency Act would require th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-introduces-bill-to-end-medicaid-payments-for-illegal-aliens-immediately/ | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to End Medicaid Payments for Illegal Aliens Immediately | 2025-07-15 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to End Medicaid Payments for Illegal Aliens Immediately Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced the Excluding Illegal Aliens from Medicaid Act, legislation to immediately end states’ practice of exploiting federal tax dollars to provide health benefits for illegal aliens. This legislation would also remove Medicaid eligibility for the influx of parolees admitted in the U.S. by former President Biden and Vice President Harris, effective immediately. Under the Excluding Illegal Aliens from Medicaid Act, the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rate granted under Obamacare expansion would end for any state that provides Medicaid benefits to illegal aliens, forcing them to revert to the traditional cost-sharing rate. Several states are still cashing in on Obamacare’s generous 90% federal Medicaid match while covering illegal aliens. This bill would close that loophole by revoking enhanced federal funding for any state that continues to cover those individuals on Medicaid. “The One Big Not-So-Beautiful Bill has been signed into law, but there’s a ridiculous delay until October 2026 before certain noncitizens are finally removed from Medicaid,” said Dr. Paul. “That’s unacceptable. Taxpayers should not pay for the healthcare of those people who are in the country illegally or not eligible for Medicaid.” A House companion bill is being introduced by Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL). “Medicaid should only be for American citizens, not those who intentionally break our laws. Several states are abusing loopholes in federal tax law to waste money on healthcare handouts for illegal aliens. Rewarding criminals with benefits paid for by law-abiding Americans is unfair, expensive, and flat-out wrong. That is why Senator Paul and I are fighting to keep Medicaid for Americans only,” said Representative Greg Steube (R-FL). Dr. Paul’s bill steps in to correct that mistake and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4693A140-25BD-49D1-BAB5-B455FCA4B70D | McConnell on Continuing U.S. Lethal Assistance to Ukraine | 2025-07-08 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the delivery of weapons to Ukraine: “Today, the strategic incoherence of underfunding our military and restricting lethal assistance to partners like Ukraine is measured in the avoidable erosion of American credibility with allies and the mounting deaths of innocents. “I’m glad that President Trump wants to resume deliveries of lethal capabilities to Ukraine. America’s policy of providing lethal support to Ukraine began during his first term, and likely helped deter earlier Russian escalation. “This time, the President will need to reject calls from the isolationists and restrainers within his Administration to limit these deliveries to defensive weapons. And he should disregard those at DoD who invoke munitions shortages to block aid while refusing to invest seriously in expanding munitions production. The self-indulgent policymaking of restrainers – from Ukraine to AUKUS – has so often required the President to clean up his staff’s messes. And the budget OMB sent to Congress does not put America on a path to peace through strength.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=50BCC62A-6C8D-457F-BA1E-4483A5201A28 | Senator McConnell’s Bill to Protect American Farmlands Signed Into Law | 2025-07-07 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) praised passage of his legislation, The Protecting American Farmlands Act, which reduces the tax burden on selling farmland, encouraging farmers to keep their land in agricultural production and curbing the loss of farmland across the country. Senator McConnell introduced the legislation in March and worked to secure it in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on Independence Day. The Kentucky Farm Bureau, a supporter of Senator McConnell’s legislation, recently launched the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI), a coalition aimed at uncovering ways to help farmers transition acreage to future generations of farmers. KFTI found that farmers tend to hold onto their land to avoid paying capital gains taxes on their property. The Protecting American Farmlands Act would defer the capital gains tax over a 4-year period if they sell their land to a farmer who will keep it in agricultural production for a minimum of ten years. “The Protecting American Farmlands Act addresses the steady decline in available farmland by easing the tax burden on our hardworking producers. This is a huge win for Kentucky farmers and will help preserve our vital farmland for future generations,” said Senator McConnell. “We are excited to see the inclusion of capital gains tax relief in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This is a direct result of Senator Mitch McConnell’s efforts on the issue, which includes his legislation, the Protecting American Farmlands Act,” said Eddie Melton, President, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation. “This is a crucial first step in providing America’s farmers capital gains relief while incentivizing keeping farmland in the hands of active farmers. This will provide farmers with another tool when looking to transition their land while also addressing the drastic loss of farmland across the country. Senator McConnell has long been a champion for Kentucky agriculture, and this legislation is a testament to his commit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A6F9473B-30A0-477D-9F67-BD6D6DA1F853 | McConnell on Senate Passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill | 2025-07-01 | 2025 | 2025-07 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding passage of the Senate version of the Reconciliation Bill: “The American people sent President Trump and Republican majorities to Washington with a clear mandate: secure the border, restore peace through strength and American energy dominance, and give working families and small businesses relief from the Biden economy. “Our votes today are a step toward fulfilling that duty. We’re bolstering border security, investing in programs that assist our farmers, raising take-home pay for working Kentuckians, and preventing the largest tax hike in American history. “In the realm of national defense, there is still more to be done. Reconciliation was an opportunity to make an urgent, additive investment on top of a steadily increasing base budget, not an invitation to offload major annual priorities to a one-time injection of funds. Largely missing this opportunity makes the Congress’ work to secure robust topline defense funding even more important, and I will continue to urge my colleagues and the Administration to meet growing and coordinated threats to America’s security with the resources they demand.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:48:13Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6BC28D04-E6B9-4E18-AAE8-A0F5A96A1549 | McConnell on War Powers Resolution: Divorced From Strategic And Constitutional Reality | 2025-06-27 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement ahead of today’s Senate vote on the Kaine War Powers Resolution: “Iran’s war against the United States is decades old. Through direct and proxy attacks, it has killed and wounded thousands of Americans. “Five years ago, President Trump’s correct decision to remove Iran’s terrorist mastermind, Qassem Soleimani, from the battlefield restored a meaningful measure of deterrence. Within weeks, the Senate was forced to defeat an effort to constrain the President’s authority to take similar action in the future. “Regrettably, under the Biden Administration, this hard-won deterrence eroded away. With the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan came a sobering reminder that the perception of American retreat emboldens our adversaries. Iran and its terrorist network shrugged off empty threats of deterrence and spilled yet more American blood. “This weekend, the President seized a strategic opportunity to restore deterrence. In response to Iran’s ongoing war, U.S. forces dealt a devastating blow to the regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Now, less than a week later, the Senate will again need to defeat an attempt to limit the Commander in Chief’s authority. And once again, the restrainers behind this effort on both sides of the aisle face simple questions: “In what ways does this discrete and limited exercise of American power exceed the limits within which President Clinton directed operations in Kosovo or President Obama in Libya? In what ways does it differ from the strikes in Syria or Yemen for which President Biden invoked his Article II authorities? “Was degrading Iran’s nuclear capability without expanding the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East a mistake? Was it wrong to seize the rare opportunity made possible by Israel’s operations over the last 20 months? Did it not demonstrably advance U.S. interests in the region? Or are isolationists correct in sug… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BA097AEB-06CC-448E-AA20-38C5300D29CF | McConnell Opening Statement at SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for the Air Force and Space Force | 2025-06-26 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, convened today’s hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Air Force and Space Force”. Prepared text of his opening statement follows: “I’ll begin by welcoming Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General David Allvin, and Chief of Space Operations, General Chance Saltzman. Thanks to each of you for your decades of service to our nation, and our thanks as well to the airmen and guardians you lead. “This weekend’s successful operations over Iran served as a reminder of the immense skill and professionalism of America’s men and women in uniform: Pilots operating coolly in enemy airspace…Dozens of aircraft and thousands of personnel helping to get them safely over their targets…Massively powerful ordnance delivered with the utmost precision…And all flights returning home safely. “The way I see it, there are two key takeaways, here: The first one is the value of allies and partners. Israel’s magnificent military and intelligence operations created the strategic opportunity. In degrading Iran’s air defenses, the Israelis demonstrated how highly competent allies act as force multipliers in the face of common threats. We ought to keep this in mind when we look at Europe and the Indo-Pacific, too. Allies and partners are going to be essential to any big fight, and we should not underestimate their value. “Of course, at the end of the day, nobody in the world but the U.S. Air Force can do what you did this weekend. America’s ability to project power globally is unparalleled. And that brings me to the second takeaway: military primacy doesn’t happen overnight. The most sophisticated military in world history is the product of trillions of dollars over decades. “Sustaining this military force isn’t cheap. Modernizing it to preserve our military edge is even more expensive. But if we value the lives of our servicemembers…The unprecede… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EF4BBC2F-0B29-4615-B76C-000CB7CE56D2 | McConnell On U.S. Hard and Soft Power at Senate Appropriations Hearing w/ OMB Director Vought | 2025-06-25 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, participated in today’s full committee hearing where he questioned Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russell Vought about spending on defense and foreign assistance: “I’ll start by associating myself with the comments Chair Collins made about the importance of American soft power: “Interestingly enough, over my years in the Senate, the biggest supporters of soft power I have run into have been the military – generals – who are fully aware of how much more costly it is to have a war than to prevent one. And it's at a very low cost to our country, built some pretty good relationships, particularly in countries in the Middle East that certainly wouldn't be described as democratic. “Reforming the way we invest in peace and stability is certainly worthwhile. And there’s plenty of absolute nonsense masquerading as American aid that shouldn’t receive another bit of taxpayer funding. “But the Administration’s attempt to root it out has been unnecessarily chaotic. In critical corners of the globe, instead of creating efficiencies, you’ve created vacuums for adversaries like China to fill. “Responsible investments in soft power prevent conflict, preserve American influence, and save countless lives at the same time for pennies on the dollar. “So if we’re concerned about spending and we should be, it’s important to remember what wars cost. At the height of world war II, 37% of our GDP was spent on defense. In Korea, 13%. In Vietnam 9%. The Reagan buildup, only 6%. Obviously peace through strength means more than just saying it. It means actually demonstrating it. “So, that’s just a fact: that soft power at very little expense goes a long way. “And tellingly, some of the folks who talk most open about the importance of soft power, as I just indicated, are the military as they know exactly what I’ve already said about th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=6CBF9693-B827-402E-8024-34C50676DEF5 | McConnell on American Leadership; Standing with Israel and Ukraine | 2025-06-24 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, delivered remarks on the Senate floor today regarding U.S. national security interests in standing with Israel, supporting Ukraine, and investing sufficiently in our own defense. Prepared text of his speech follows: “When Iran’s proxies launched a full-scale war on Israel on October 7th, 2023, President Biden pledged an ‘unwavering commitment to Israel’s security’. This was the right message in the moment. But as I warned publicly at the time, Israel needed more than rhetorical solidarity. “Like Ukraine, Israel needed precious time, space to maneuver, and material support to defeat a shared enemy. And yet, as in Ukraine, America’s commitment has indeed wavered. Our support has not been ironclad. “Instead, under the previous Administration, American support was delayed, restricted, and paired with attempts to micromanage Israeli operations and even interfere with Israeli politics. And at every turn, the progressive left and isolationist right hyperventilated about the specter of so-called forever war. “Fortunately, Israel held its ground. Israelis weren’t enthused about a ground war in Gaza. Their leaders knew that war would be difficult. But they knew it was unavoidable so long as Hamas terrorists still refused to release its hostages. They also knew lasting security meant changing Iran’s calculus…Not just responding to attacks from its proxies. So Israel decided to turn Iran’s terrorist assets into liabilities. “Despite the pearl-clutching here in Washington, our ally simultaneously decapitated Hizballah and crippled Hamas. Their bold operations created a new opportunity for Lebanon to claw back its sovereignty from a terrorist state within a state. “Meanwhile, the collapse of the brutal Assad regime in Syria brought down a Russian vassal and Iran’s favorite corridor of weapons and terrorist finance. These are the circumstances President Trump inherited. What to do with them has been the s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9028329A-8D3B-44FF-A71C-77CF39A9FFD0 | McConnell Opening Statement at SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for the Navy | 2025-06-24 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, convened today’s hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Navy”. Prepared text of his opening statement follows: “I’ll begin by welcoming Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby, and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric Smith. I’m grateful to each of you for your willingness to lead at a pivotal moment for the Department, and to the sailors, Marines, and civilian personnel who advance Navy and Marine Corps missions and keep America safe every day. “I’m particularly grateful to the sailors who have stood watch in the Gulf and the Red Sea over the last 20 months helping to defend Israel, US interests, and freedom of navigation against Iranian-backed terrorists. And to the crews deployed there right now who launched Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of the joint operation to strike what I hope is a fatal blow to Iran’s nuclear aspirations. “I also want to recognize the Marine Corps, whose fallen comrades were among the earliest victims of Iran’s decades-long war against the United States and Israel — those taken hostage with U.S. Embassy personnel in Tehran and the hundreds killed in Beirut in 1983, before any of us on this dais showed up in Washington. “Generations of servicemembers carry the scars of Iran-backed attacks on American personnel in the region over the decades. Their sacrifices remind us that ‘Death to America’ is more than rhetoric. “For too long, Tehran itself faced negligible costs for the actions of their terrorist proxies. Thanks to Israel’s initiative in turning the tables – and the President’s decision to back them up – the Islamic Republic is finally paying a steep price. “This weekend’s events are yet a further reminder of the challenges facing the joint force today. And my colleagues and I hope to understand the extent to which you think the President’s budget request would provide… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-cosponsors-accountability-reporting-for-nato-freeloaders/ | Dr. Rand Paul Cosponsors Accountability Reporting for NATO Freeloaders | 2025-06-24 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | As NATO convenes today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul cosponsored legislation by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) addressing inadequate burden sharing among the United States’ allies and NATO member nations. The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act and the NATO Burden Sharing Report Act would incentivize delinquent nations to contribute their fair share for defense measures by requiring the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to compile annual reports on allied nations’ defense contributions and their ability to fulfill commitments. U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) cosponsored both pieces of legislation. “Our NATO allies expect the U.S. to be the sugar daddy and the world’s policeman while they sit back and let us do the heavy lifting. President Trump was right, it’s time for them to pull their own weight. Congress must stop giving blank checks to our allies and start demanding accountability. That’s why I’m pushing for the NATO Burden Sharing Report Act and the Allied Burden Sharing Report Act, to show the American people exactly who’s paying the bills and who’s shirking their share,” said Sen. Paul. “America has shouldered the burden of NATO freeloaders for decades,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Year after year, our so-called allies shirk their commitments while we pay for the conflicts raging in their backyards. By imposing annual reporting requirements, my legislation will identify delinquent allies – promoting accountability and putting them on notice to pay their fair share.” Background: NATO allies committed to spending 2% of their annual GDP on defense measures over a decade ago, but many have failed to deliver – instead allowing the U.S. to carry the burden of European security. Even as conflict in Ukraine continues in their own backyards, a significant portion of NATO members remain delinquent on their defense commitments. It is unreasonable for the U.S. to continue subsidizing the security of a peripheral theater, while allies neglect to carry their fair share. As the alliance convenes today, Presi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-introduces-collegiate-sports-integrity-act/ | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Collegiate Sports Integrity Act | 2025-06-24 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-434 Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Collegiate Sports Integrity Act Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Collegiate Sports Integrity Act, legislation to restore free-market principles to college athletics by exempting intercollegiate athletic conferences, associations, and participating schools from federal antitrust laws. Antitrust laws have empowered judges—not students, not schools—to dictate the rules of college sports. This bill puts decision-making back where it belongs: in the hands of the people directly involved. By removing these restrictions, the Collegiate Sports Integrity Act allows schools and student-athletes to voluntarily negotiate fair, flexible agreements that reflect their own values—not a federal mandate. “This is about economic liberty,” said Dr. Rand Paul. “College athletes and schools should be free to come to the table and make their own deals—without unelected judges micromanaging every detail. Whether it’s compensation, eligibility, or academic standards, Washington shouldn’t be calling the plays.” The Collegiate Sports Integrity Act explicitly exempts intercollegiate athletic conferences, interstate athletic associations, and the colleges competing in them from antitrust liability. This ensures that evolving athletic models—regardless of structure—remain protected and governed by voluntary agreement, not courtroom fiat. The legislation comes amid growing legal uncertainty following a wave of rulings, including a December 2024 decision striking down NCAA eligibility rules and a June 2025 settlement opening the door to direct payments to athletes. Rather than allowing a patchwork of court-imposed mandates, the bill reasserts the primacy of freedom of contract in higher education athletics. Read the bill HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=727C63F2-0AEC-437A-A98C-05BF001DF4C5 | McConnell Comments on Passing of Fred Smith | 2025-06-23 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding the passing of FedEx founder, Fred Smith: “I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Fred Smith, whose pioneering entrepreneurship helped transform how the world does business. Fred’s vision led FedEx from domestic delivery to the cutting edge of global logistics. “Fred’s distinguished corporate leadership, along with his decorated combat service as a U.S. Marine, attracted repeated calls to serve his country in government at the highest levels. But continuing to lead half a million employees, generous philanthropic efforts, and a growing brood of grandchildren kept our friend busy doing what he loved. My thoughts are with Fred’s wife, Diane, and their family as they mourn a great man.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-introduces-end-the-feds-big-bank-bailout-act/ | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces “End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act” | 2025-06-23 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Introduces “End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act, legislation to prohibit the Federal Reserve from paying interest on balances held at Federal Reserve banks by or on behalf of depository institutions. “Our country is over $36 trillion in debt,” said Dr. Paul. “But no one pays attention to the hundreds of billions of dollars the Federal Reserve unnecessarily paid to banks to NOT lend money to consumers.” Until 2008, the Federal Reserve paid no interest to banks on reserve balances. That changed after the financial crisis, when Congress authorized the payments as a tool to control the money supply. From 2008 to 2016, interest payments averaged just $5 billion annually. But with the Fed’s rate now above 4 percent, these payments have exploded. “In 2022, the Fed paid $60 billion to banks. In 2023, the Fed payments to banks rose to over $176 billion. And in 2024, the Fed’s subsidy to banks rose to about $186 billion. The Fed has been operating at a loss since September 2022,” Dr. Paul continued. “While the Fed no longer has profits and ceased returning those profits to the taxpayers by remitting those funds to the Treasury, it still, to this very day, pays what has amounted to hundreds of billions of dollars to banks.” The End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act amends Section 19 of the Federal Reserve Act to eliminate the Fed’s authority to make these interest payments. Senator Paul argues this simple change could save more than a trillion dollars over the next decade. “At a time of persistent and self-imposed worsening losses at the Fed, the manipulators of the American economy continue to pay banks to do nothing but have their funds sit in a safe,” said Dr. Paul. “How can anybody, especially the populist Republicans and the entire Democratic Caucus, defend such a subsidy when supposed income inequality and the nat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-introduces-the-restore-prescription-drugs-discount-act/ | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Restore Prescription Drugs Discount Act | 2025-06-23 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23rd, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-434 Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Restore Prescription Drugs Discount Act WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) today introduced the Restore Prescription Drugs Discount Act, a bill to eliminate an outdated antitrust law that hinders insurers and employers from negotiating upfront discounts for better prices on prescription drugs. As a result of a class action lawsuit in the 1990s, the Robinson-Patman Act of 1936 prohibits insurers and employers from negotiating upfront discounts with pharmaceutical companies to drive the cost of prescription drugs down. To comply with this ruling, drug manufacturers shifted from offering upfront discounts to retroactive discounts, also known as rebates, provided upon proof of sales. Simply put, the Robinson-Patman Act’s ban on upfront discounts leaves insurers and employers without leverage to negotiate, leading to higher costs for patients. Dr. Paul’s bill would fully repeal the law and give insurers the ability to negotiate savings more transparently, helping drive down drug prices for patients. “The Robinson-Patman Act is a relic from the Great Depression,” said Dr. Paul. “It punishes direct discounting and drives up costs for patients. Repealing it will remove an unnecessary legal barrier and bring transparency and competition back to the prescription drug market.” Read the full bill HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-to-host-2025-fall-service-academy-information-fair-for-kentucky-students/ | Dr. Rand Paul to Host 2025 Fall Service Academy Information Fair for Kentucky Students | 2025-06-23 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | A very rewarding aspect of representing our Commonwealth is the opportunity to nominate young men and women from across the state to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies. I will be hosting a 2025 Fall Service Academy Information Fair for Kentucky students on Thursday, August 28th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. CST. Please RSVP to my State Office at (270) 782-8303. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=52725FA6-4F2D-4CFC-8970-E696881A92B4 | Chairman McConnell Statement on U.S. Military Operations | 2025-06-21 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | LOUISVILLE, KY- Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on the United States strikes in Iran: “Iran’s war on America and Israel spans decades. The history of the Islamic Republic is written in American, Israeli, and Arab blood, as well as that of the Iranian people. The regime’s survival has depended on repression at home and web of proxy terrorism and aggression abroad, underpinned by an obsessive pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Israel’s bold response to the war thrust upon it by Iran’s proxies has created a unique opportunity to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions and strike a lasting blow to its hegemonic aggression. Seizing this opportunity is not an escalation toward war — it is a prudent response to the warmongers in Tehran. Iran would be foolish to misunderstand American resolve. “I commend the President for authorizing decisive action and all U.S. servicemembers responsible for carrying it out. The United States’ interest in denying Iran a nuclear weapon, in standing with our ally, Israel, and in reestablishing credible deterrent power is undeniable and urgent.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=05BA6AD2-32A4-450D-BA04-CF7587014FFE | McConnell Opening Statement at SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for the Army | 2025-06-18 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, convened today’s hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Army”. Prepared text of his opening statement follows: “With us today are the Secretary of the Army, Dan Driscoll, and the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy George. Welcome to you both. And happy belated birthday to the U.S. Army. “Secretary Driscoll, I’m glad you were able to visit Fort Knox yesterday. As I’m sure you found, far more important than the gold are the fine soldiers and civilians who serve there. “We appreciate that both of you are willing to serve our nation at a consequential moment for the Army, the Department of Defense, and U.S. national security. And we’re deeply grateful to the soldiers you lead for their bravery and sacrifice at the tip of the spear. “The recent losses of Army personnel in training incidents in Lithuania, Hungary, and Iraq are reminders of the risks U.S. servicemembers take every day to keep us safe. Matching the Army’s structure and capabilities to tomorrow’s challenges while preserving its ability to fight today is essential work. The Army’s history reminds us that we don’t always get to choose the types of war we fight, and must prepare for all contingencies. “Congress has backed the Army through a litany of failed modernization programs like Future Combat Systems or Crusader. We’ve watched new requirements, cost overruns, and adversary advances undermine their rationale before they became operational. If the Administration made the case for sustained increases in defense spending, the Army would have a stronger hand when asking Congress to take risks on new initiatives. But net cuts to defense spending make it harder to balance the Army’s current and future requirements. In the face of growing threats, pursuing generational change on the cheap is risky business. “As you work with the Congress on the Army Transformation Initiative, I hope you will l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=636F44B7-6164-4B6B-A6D4-D76A3F2E5A89 | McConnell Comments on President Trump’s Nomination of Kentuckian S. Chad Meredith | 2025-06-18 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today on President Trump’s announcement that he will nominate S. Chad Meredith of Lexington, Kentucky to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky: “President Trump made an outstanding choice for his nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Chad Meredith is a bright lawyer with a stellar resume and a distinguished record of public service, including previous service as Kentucky’s Solicitor General. His demonstrated devotion to the rule of law and the Constitution will serve the people of Kentucky well on the federal bench. I look forward to the Senate confirming his nomination.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=06083C1B-3A30-4D4D-B546-D86332EF7957 | McConnell Previews SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for the Intelligence Community | 2025-06-16 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement in advance of the June 17th closed hearing with Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Lieutenant General William J. Hartman, Acting Director of the National Security Agency: “U.S. national security depends on the professionalism, objectivity, and integrity of a well-resourced intelligence community. As I’ve observed before, fighting conflict is far costlier than deterring it. And the costs of strategic surprise – the failure of intelligence – can be catastrophic. That’s why the defense subcommittee takes very seriously its responsibility to equip the IC for an array of sensitive and evolving missions. “In return, we expect the nation’s seniormost intelligence officials to provide candid observations on the challenges facing both the IC and the decisionmakers their work informs. I look forward, in particular, to thorough assessments of U.S. interests in ongoing conflicts: “I will expect Director Gabbard, Director Ratcliffe, and General Hartman to address the current state of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the potential consequences of an outcome that strengthens Vladimir Putin, and the potential damage to U.S. alliances and partnerships of withholding further support to Ukraine. “Likewise, I will expect them to assess Israel’s ongoing response to Iran’s decades-long war against America, Israel, and our Arab partners, and the stakes of allowing Iran to continue its nuclear enrichment operations and support for terrorist proxies. “Even more broadly, I will expect the leaders of the IC to demonstrate their grasp of the undeniable alignment and coordination of America’s adversaries. I expect them to outline how Chinese economic support for Iran and Iranian material support for Russia’s war informs the global assessments they offer to the Commander-in-Chief. “Allies and partners from Europe to Ja… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A323C22F-5238-4207-B95E-BE5EA5B41E7A | McConnell Statement on Israeli Strikes in Iran | 2025-06-13 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding Israeli strikes in Iran last night: “Iran’s war against Israel and the United States is decades old. Directly and by proxy, it has plotted and conducted attacks against U.S. servicemembers, diplomats, former officials, and even dissidents inside the American homeland. It has done the same against its Arab neighbors, peaceful nations around the world, and — with particular savagery — the Jewish people for daring to preserve and protect a Jewish state. “When Tehran prescribes ‘death to Israel, death to America’, our closest ally in the Middle East takes this murderous, nuclear-obsessed regime at its word. America must do the same. “Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s dramatic operations in Lebanon, Syria, and now Iran have given the entire region an opportunity to rid itself of Tehran’s terrorist spiderweb. I hope and pray that Israel’s bold and brave direct strikes against the Iranian death machine and nuclear program will hasten this future for a region of tremendous importance to the United States. “In Israel’s fierce self-defense, America must recognize a broader, global lesson about the value of allies and partners. From Europe to the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific, we and our friends are stronger when we stand together. “There must be no daylight between the United States and allies and partners defending their sovereignty, democracy, and way of life against theocratic or authoritarian aggression. America must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel. And Iran’s remaining leaders must recognize that the time has come to abandon their decades-long obsession with terror and nuclear war.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D36972AC-2283-4723-9C5A-A2D1E82583F0 | McConnell Opening Statement at SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for the Department of Defense | 2025-06-11 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, convened today’s hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Defense”. Prepared text of his opening statement follows: “Secretary Hegseth, General Caine, Ms. MacDonnell, welcome. My colleagues and I are looking forward to your candid testimony. “There’s no doubt that the global threat environment demands from us an uncompromisingly lethal force. And your efforts over recent months to renew the Department’s focus on lethality – and your attention to the concerns of servicemembers at the tip of the spear – are worthwhile and appreciated. “Of course, sustaining this shift requires a clear strategy and adequate investments in capabilities. So we’re looking forward to hearing, in detail: What, exactly, the Office of Management and Budget is requesting on behalf of the Department of Defense for the coming fiscal year…And whether this budget flows from a strategy or instead defines and limits a strategy. “This hearing will be the first public demonstration of what we hope to be a productive relationship between the Subcommittee and the Department. In the past, this relationship has functioned best when it’s been based on timely and forthcoming communication. “Last year, details from the Department and the services about their growing requirements informed the Subcommittee’s efforts to mark up a bill to provide the military with $18.8 billion in resources above President Biden’s FY25 request. But that didn’t become law. Regrettably, the CR we’re under right now was yet another missed opportunity that compounded the constraints facing the Department today. “On this subcommittee, you’ll find plenty of support for the Department’s efforts to – for example – improve air and missile defense systems, grow the pipeline for unmanned technologies, modernize our nuclear triad, and expand shipbuilding capacity. But lumping reconciliation spending in with full-yea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-paul-senator-lee-introduce-bill-to-cut-drug-prices-and-red-tape/ | Dr. Paul & Senator Lee Introduce Bill to Cut Drug Prices and Red Tape | 2025-06-06 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Paul & Senator Lee Introduce Bill to Cut Drug Prices and Red Tape Washington, D.C.—This week, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), and Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act to cut drug prices for consumers and increase competition in the pharmaceutical market by categorizing generic-brand “biosimilar” drugs as interchangeable with their name-brand counterparts. “I’m proud to support Senator Lee’s Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act. Americans pay too much for prescription treatments because of outdated FDA requirements. This bill would give pharmacists more options, subject to state law, to substitute unaffordable therapeutics with lower-cost alternatives. I offered similar reforms in the past because health care reform starts with giving patients more affordable choices. It’s time we stop letting red tape stand between patients and lower prices.” said Dr. Rand Paul “Americans are missing out on lower drug prices thanks to bureaucratic red tape that protects big pharma monopolies,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Many consumers would choose a cheaper generic-brand version of their medications, but technicalities from Congress have kept these out of reach. Our legislation will cut the red tape to bring drug prices down, break up the big pharma monopolies, and let Americans make their own medication choices.” “Too many Americans face sky-high prescription drug costs. This bipartisan legislation will cut unnecessary red tape and help biosimilar drugs get to the market faster, creating more competition in the market, and cutting costs for consumers,” said Senator Hassan. “I will continue to work to lower prescription drug and health care costs for Granite Staters and all Americans.” “Limited competition drives up drug prices, making it harder for people to afford the medications they need to survive. Expanding access to biosimilar drugs can improve patients’ lives and reduce costs. But too ofte… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8C18DE37-8974-4195-AE5F-250C3CC50EEC | McConnell Welcomes Michael Sullivan as Chief of U.S. Capitol Police | 2025-06-05 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the selection of Chief Michael Sullivan as the new Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police Department: “I’m grateful for the U.S. Capitol Police Board’s extensive efforts to select the next chief of the USCP. Their confidence in Chief Michael Sullivan is well-placed. Nearly twenty-five years of his three decades of law enforcement service were spent protecting my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, including a distinguished tour as Deputy Chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department. “At the helm of the USCP, Chief Sullivan will take on another heavy responsibility: ensuring the security of our nation’s core governing institutions. I know he will quickly earn the trust and admiration of the brave men and women who keep us safe, and I join the entire Senate in welcoming him to the Capitol.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E7AF9619-F75A-4F0D-97E0-F8DC2A3C8933 | McConnell Meets With Ukrainian Officials | 2025-06-03 | 2025 | 2025-06 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today after meeting with senior Ukrainian officials, including Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, and First Deputy Prime Minister, Yuliia Svyrydenko: “I was glad to welcome Mr. Yermak, Ms. Svyrydenko, and their delegation to Washington at a critical moment in their work to end Russia’s unprovoked war. I share both their urgent desire for peace and their understanding that the price of peace matters. “Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate an immediate ceasefire is as clear as Russia’s utter disinterest in peace. As long as Putin’s aggression continues, Ukraine has every right to defend itself by targeting his war machine with every tool at their disposal. “The United States can and should continue to lead Western efforts to impose further sanctions on the Kremlin and its sponsors. But sanctions are not a substitute for equipping Ukraine materially to negotiate from a position of strength. Sustaining Western military assistance to Ukraine will be an essential part of any lasting peace. “Hopes of meaningfully changing Russia’s calculus and reaching such a peace will remain unrealized so long as Putin believes he can outlast Ukraine’s will to fight or the West’s resolve to stand by our friends. Ukraine, for its part, continues to innovate and adapt to the tragic realities of modern warfare with astounding success. “In conflict between a neo-Soviet imperialist and a sovereign, Western-aligned partner, the United States gains nothing from pretending to be a neutral arbiter. It is unquestionably in our interest to stand with Ukraine as they resist aggression.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:38Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-reintroduces-bill-to-repeal-job-killing-tan-tax/ | Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces Bill to Repeal Job-Killing ‘Tan Tax’ | 2025-05-30 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2025, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces Bill to Repeal Job-Killing ‘Tan Tax’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Tan Tax Repeal Act, legislation to eliminate the burdensome 10 percent tax on indoor tanning services—a relic of the disastrous Affordable Care Act. The tax, imposed in 2010 as a last-minute addition to fund Obamacare, has disproportionately hurt small businesses and women entrepreneurs across the country. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). “This tax was never about public health—it was about squeezing more money out of hardworking Americans to fund a broken government program,” said Dr. Paul. “The Tan Tax is a perfect example of the federal government picking winners and losers—and in this case, punishing women-owned businesses trying to stay afloat in a tough economy.” BACKGROUND: The so-called “Tan Tax” was slipped into the Affordable Care Act as a last-minute replacement for a proposed “Botox tax.” The result? Over 11,000 tanning salons—most of them women-owned—have closed their doors. According to the American Suntanning Association, more than 110,000 jobs, mostly held by women, have been lost. The tax also decimated domestic tanning equipment manufacturers, shifting jobs and production to foreign countries. Dr. Paul has long opposed the Affordable Care Act and has consistently called for the repeal of harmful, overreaching policies like the Tan Tax. He previously included this repeal in his broader Obamacare replacement legislation. You can read the Tan Tax Repeal Act HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/icymi-dr-rand-paul-introduces-bill-to-unleash-free-market-solutions-in-the-agriculture-energy-and-automotive-sectors/ | ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Unleash Free Market Solutions in the Agriculture, Energy and Automotive Sectors | 2025-05-28 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 28, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Unleash Free Market Solutions in the Agriculture, Energy, and Automotive Sectors Washington, D.C. –Last week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2025. This legislation breaks down burdensome federal mandates and empowers American consumers—not Washington bureaucrats—to drive the future of energy and transportation, save taxpayer dollars, and reduce our deficit. “For decades, unelected regulators in Washington have distorted energy and automotive markets by picking winners and losers—driving up costs, stifling competition, and burdening consumers,” said Dr. Paul. “The Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act restores market freedom by removing arbitrary barriers to innovation, expanding consumer access to affordable fuel options, and encouraging domestic energy production. It’s a commonsense step toward lowering energy costs, reducing regulatory bloat, and ending our dependence on foreign oil.” Key Provisions of the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2025: Consumer Freedom – Lifts restrictions that prevent older vehicles from using alternative fuels, expanding fuel options for millions of Americans. Lower Fuel Costs – Increases availability of biofuels and allows higher ethanol blends to create a more competitive fuel market and drive down fuel costs. Support for Rural America – Eliminates restrictions on biomass fuel production, opening new markets for U.S. farmers. Reduced Regulatory Burdens – Automakers producing fuel-flexible vehicles will be considered compliant with EPA regulations, lowering compliance costs, and encouraging investments in clean energy technologies. This legislation is a win for the free market, a win for innovation, and a win for the American consumer. It’s time we get Washington out of the way and let American ingenuity lead. You can read it HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4F56D4D1-0221-46C1-85F1-FE82B86E7E8C | Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation Supports Gov. Beshear’s Request for a Third Presidential Disaster Declaration in 2025 | 2025-05-22 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Kentucky’s bipartisan federal delegation, led by Dean of the House Hal Rogers (KY-05), including U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, Congressmen Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Andy Barr (KY-06), James Comer (KY-01), Thomas Massie (KY-04) and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their support for Governor Andy Beshear’s request for the third major disaster declaration of the year for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The request comes as a result of devastating storms, including an EF4 tornado that took the lives of at least 19 individuals in southern Kentucky since May 16, 2025. “This severe weather event has resulted in catastrophic damage, and 19 Kentuckians have lost their lives. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed or severely damaged, with homes, businesses and essential infrastructure suffering widespread loss. Critical roadways have been washed out, vital utilities disabled, and basic government services disrupted. The storm’s destruction spans more than 600 miles across the Commonwealth,” the letter stated. “We urge your swift approval of federal disaster assistance to help Kentucky communities begin the process of recovering and rebuilding.” The National Weather Service’s final report confirmed an EF4 tornado traveled over 55 miles through Russell, Pulaski and Laurel counties, staying on the ground for an hour and a half with winds reaching a peak of 170 miles per hour. President Trump has already approved two major disaster declarations for Kentucky, including: Declaration DR-4860 was approved after a deadly severe storm on February 14, 2025 that caused widespread flooding, resulting in the loss of least 22 lives in Kentucky. More than $43 million have been approved for Individual Assistance, with 6,895 applications approved. Declaration DR-4864 was approved after a deadly severe storm, beginning on April 2, 2025, that caused historic flooding, resulting in the loss of at least seven lives in Kentucky. The flooding, landslides, mudslides and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A320C2DD-57CD-4531-A6D5-3E2272811FE5 | McConnell Opening Statement at SAC-D Hearing on FY 26 Budget Request for National Guard and Reserve Forces | 2025-05-22 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the National Guard and Reserves Forces”: “We’ll begin today’s hearing to receive testimony on the posture of the National Guard Bureau and Reserve Components. I’d like to start by thanking the witnesses: “General Steven Nordhaus, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Lieutenant General Robert Harter, the Chief of Army Reserve; My understanding is that Vice Admiral Lacore is unable to testify this morning due to an illness — I hope she recovers quickly. I welcome Rear Admiral Luke Frost - Director, Reserve Warfare, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in her absence; “Lieutenant General Loni Anderson, the Commander of Marine Forces Reserve; and Lieutenant General John Healy, the Chief of Air Force Reserve. “The Subcommittee is grateful for your service to the nation in uniform, and we’ll look forward to your candid testimony. “Our discussion today will be oriented toward the President’s Budget Request for FY 2026. “The exact details of the request are still to come, but the topline summary released by the Office of Management and Budget gives proponents of robust national defense plenty to be concerned about, already. “Annual topline investment in the Department of Defense is a measure of national will. It sends a message to allies and adversaries, alike, about the strength of our resolve. And it appears that the message for the coming year is one of weakness. “Nobody in this room needs a reminder of how much the Department relies on stable and predictable funding to drive the crucial functions of development, acquisitions, and procurement. Nor is anyone here naïve to the increasingly coordinated forces that threaten to undermine U.S. interests around the world. “But when we talk about the consequences of short-changing our armed forces, we have to recognize … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E28145FC-8F55-48AD-B6DF-B55B94FA4E05 | McConnell Statement on Murder of Israeli Embassy Employees | 2025-05-22 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement on the murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim: “Among the innocent victims of October 7th were young peacemakers. Last night, terrorist murder on the streets of Washington claimed the lives of two more. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were attending a discussion about responding to humanitarian crises, including in Gaza. Their alleged killer, grotesquely invoking the will of the Palestinian people, thought better that these peacemakers should die. “My deepest sympathies are with those who loved Yaron and Sarah, with their colleagues at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, and with all working to bring Hamas’ reign of terror to an end. America must continue to stand with our ally, Israel, and with the Israeli people who continue to face existential threats from Iran and its proxies. I pray that no American will mistake last night’s anti-Semitic terrorism for advancing the cause of peace.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/265528-2/ | Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Expand Health Care Freedom for the Self-Employed and Small Businesses | 2025-05-22 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22nd, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Expand Health Care Freedom for the Self-Employed and Small Businesses WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced new legislation to expand affordable health coverage options for millions of self-employed Americans and employees of small businesses. The Association Health Plans Act of 2025 amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to give small business employees, sole proprietors, and gig workers the ability to aggregate together and access health insurance through large-group Association Health Plans (AHPs). “The Association Health Plans Act gives small businesses and individuals the leverage to negotiate collectively for lower health insurance and lower drug prices. Additionally, the CBO previously estimated that 400,000 uninsured would gain coverage under AHPs and over 3 million people would switch coverage to AHPs,” Dr. Paul said. Current federal law makes it nearly impossible for self-employed individuals to access affordable group health insurance. The Association Health Plans Act fixes that by allowing them to fully participate in AHPs as part of a broader membership-based group or within a group of other self-employed individuals. These plans would operate across state lines and be treated as fully-insured large-group or self-insured ERISA plans, unlocking better rates and flexibility. “In Mississippi, 99 percent of businesses are considered small businesses. It is imperative that these employers can offer affordable and accessible health insurance coverage to their employees. The Association Health Plans Act would give small businesses owners and employees more options for health care plans that fit the needs of their employees,” said Senator Wicker. The bill requires participating associations to have existed for at least two years and to serve a broader purpose than providing health benefits, ensuring stability and accountability. It also… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=60370CF6-776D-4DFD-97DF-1109498B2A57 | McConnell’s Bill to Support Families of Retired Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee | 2025-05-15 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, which would ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed or disabled as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. Senator McConnell introduced the bipartisan bill earlier this year with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL) have also cosponsored the legislation. The legislation must now be approved by the full Senate. The bill is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean war veteran and law enforcement officer of 55 years who retired in 2009 as Chief of the Tompkinsville, Kentucky Police Department. On August 28, 2012, Chief Proffitt was tragically shot and killed in his driveway by an individual he had arrested a decade earlier. Although his murder was a direct retaliation for his service in uniform, his family was denied benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program because he had retired from his more than a half-century of service. The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act would amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program eligibility criteria for retired law enforcement officers who have died or become permanently disabled due to a targeted attack directly resulting from their service, and retroactively apply the updated eligibility for claims starting on January 1, 2012. “This week we observe National Police Week and remember law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty and honor those across the country who courageously serve our communities,” said Senator McConnell. “The loss of Chief Herbert D. Proffitt is a tragic reminder of the risk that follows our finest every day of their lives. This legislation plugs an important hole, ensuring the Proffitt family – and others like them – are supported and assured that the service and sacrifice of their loved ones are never forgotten. On be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7F8BE2A3-4ADA-46FD-96F4-34DBEDD4A09E | McConnell Remarks at CSIS Global Security Forum on Defense Innovation | 2025-05-13 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, addressed the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) Global Security Forum today in Washington, D.C. Below are the Senator’s remarks as prepared for delivery: “If I told you that the West’s greatest strategic adversary was outpacing America in critical sectors like shipbuilding, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned systems… “If I told you this adversary was helping the largest state sponsor of terrorism skirt sanctions and pour more resources into the proxies who sow chaos across the Middle East, target U.S. personnel, and shut down a major artery of global trade… “If I told you that both of them – along with an erratic, nuclear-armed hermit kingdom – were helping a neo-Soviet imperialist wage an unprovoked war in the backyard of America’s closest allies and trading partners… “And if I told you that this has been going on for years…You might expect to see a greater sense of urgency in Washington. “Instead, the chasm between the threats we face and what we’re doing to meet them is wide. And it ought to terrify us. “A Chinese authoritarian calls American hegemony the product of ‘fascist forces.’ A Russian despot calls the former a ‘dear friend.’ And yet, as our adversaries drew closer together, influential members of both parties have chosen to pick fights with our allies and partners or consoled themselves with the naïve fantasy that we can retreat to Fortress America while spending a historically tiny fraction of our GDP on defense. “Now that I have your attention… I’m grateful for the opportunity to be with all of you today. There’s a great deal to discuss. We’re here, in particular, to talk about innovation. That’s time well spent. “America won the Cold War thanks in part to the way we exploited our technological military and economic advantage over the Soviet Union. Back then, we recognized that investing in technological superiority to deter conflict was less costly than figh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9805CA68-6416-4F11-9022-399E1F730768 | McConnell Statement on the Passing of Kit Bond | 2025-05-13 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former U.S. Senator for Missouri, Christopher “Kit” Bond: “Elaine and I were saddened to learn of the passing of our good friend, Kit Bond. Over four terms together in the Senate, I had a front row seat as one of the Senate’s most relentless and effective legislators built coalitions and made a difference – from agricultural innovation to intelligence oversight. Kit wore his devotion to his fellow Missourians on his sleeve, and made no secret of his belief in the importance of American leadership abroad. “I will miss Kit’s uncompromising advocacy for investment in America’s military strength and engagement with allies and partners in critical regions. Considering the challenges we face today, his longtime focus on southeast Asia was prescient. “But most of all, Elaine and I will miss Kit’s warm friendship. And today, our prayers and deepest sympathies are with Kit’s wife, Linda, his son, Sam, and his entire family as they say farewell to a great and good man.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B0CA5830-9CDC-412A-AF55-54DEA4A64BDA | McConnell Announces Over $1.5 Million in Federal Funding to Address Substance Use Epidemic in Kentucky | 2025-05-12 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will allocate $1,501,532 to Kentucky for the Recovery Housing Program. This program was created by Senator McConnell’s Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act. In 2018, Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr introduced the CAREER Act into the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, and the legislation was signed into law as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. In February, they introduced the CAREER Act of 2025 to enhance the workforce reentry and recovery housing programs created in the 2018 law. Since becoming law, the CAREER Act has directed nearly $12.5 million to the Commonwealth, helping hundreds of Kentuckians recovering from substance use disorder. The CAREER Act addresses the devastating impact of substance abuse on America’s workforce, connecting individuals recovering from substance use with career services and temporary, stable housing opportunities. The Recovery Housing Program, established within this legislation, is a transitional housing pilot program to help states increase access to safe transitional housing for individuals in addiction recovery while they rehabilitate and reenter the workforce. “Our nation’s substance abuse epidemic has claimed countless lives in communities across the Commonwealth. The CAREER Act is a crucial tool in our fight to end this crisis, targeting resources into lifesaving organizations that support Kentuckians' recovery and their reentry into the workforce. I’ve been proud to champion CAREER Act funding over the years, and support these organizations’ heroic efforts as they help Kentuckians break free from addiction,” said Senator McConnell. HUD will allocate today’s funding to the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Local Government, which will then select specific funding recipients. In past years, these federal funds have gone toward building out capacity and a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E1970EFF-E079-48D7-A9BE-21C0A56E0DAE | Kentucky Congressional Delegation Supports Governor’s Request for Federal Major Disaster Declaration | 2025-05-09 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kentucky's federal delegation, including U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and Representatives Hal Rogers (KY-05), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Andy Barr (KY-06), James Comer (KY-01), Thomas Massie (KY-04), and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) sent a letter to President Trump expressing their support for Governor Beshear's request for Public Assistance in 85 counties, additional Individual Assistance for 24 counties, and Hazard Mitigation for the entire Commonwealth as a result of the devastating flooding in April. The delegation wrote, “the torrential rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes that occurred across Kentucky as a result of the April storms led to widespread damage to critical public infrastructure including roads, bridges, and water distribution systems. Recent reports indicate hundreds of households have been impacted, and more than 500 local, state, and federal roadways were underwater or closed because of mudslides at one point during the event, which further hindered the initial response and assessment of damages. As communities begin to rebuild and families begin to recoup their homes, federal assistance is critical to ensuring Kentuckians can safely resume their lives.” Click here to read the letter from the Kentucky delegation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9876918B-BFE9-4B18-91C5-374716BB0002 | McConnell, Guthrie Introduce Bill to Expand Mammoth Cave National Park Boundaries | 2025-05-08 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) introduced today the bicameral Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act. This bill would give the park the ability to acquire an additional 551.14 acres of land from the Nature Conservancy. This newly acquired land would enhance protections in the Green River watershed, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage while generating additional tourism to Kentucky’s Second District. “Kentucky is lucky to be home to an abundance of natural treasures, among them, Mammoth Cave National Park. This extensive cave network has been inspiring Kentuckians and drawing visitors from all corners of the globe for generations. Beyond its role in driving tourism to our Commonwealth, the park also plays a crucial role in the region’s economic growth, supporting good jobs for the people of Kentucky,” said Senator McConnell. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Guthrie on this important initiative once again which will expand the critical habitats that the National Park Service protects and preserves in the park.” “Every year, Mammoth Cave National Park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and contributes nearly $90 million to our local economy,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This natural wonder has inspired people for thousands of years, playing a foundational role in the culture of our region. I am proud to introduce the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act to expand protections for the cave system’s important biodiversity and rich history, ensuring that it can be studied, maintained, and enjoyed by future generations of Americans.” You can find the full text of the Mammoth Cave Boundary Adjustment Act here. A map of the proposed boundary changes can be found here. Background: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D20CE4ED-3C45-4B8D-96BC-1B2A92C89757 | Senator McConnell Advocates for Bourbon Industry During Senate Agriculture Hearing | 2025-05-07 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) questioned Chris French, the Acting Associate Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, regarding the White Oak Resilience Act of 2025. Earlier this year, Senators McConnell and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the bill to provide greater federal resources and direct research into safeguarding our nation’s White Oak tree population. The bill requires the USDA and the Forest Service to coordinate research and conservation efforts, ensuring the White Oak a stable supply and a viable future. Senator McConnell said during the hearing that “our iconic bourbon industry is critical to us. 95 percent of the bourbon in the world is made in Kentucky. The $9 billion industry supports agricultural, forestry, manufacturing, distilling, bottling, construction, and transportation jobs… just to name a few. Kentucky bourbon is synonymous with the White Oak tree, which is used to age our state’s signature spirit in wooden barrels. Unfortunately, 75 percent of the nation’s White Oak population is rated as mature, meaning that there will be a shortage of White Oaks within 30 years. Congress must act to ensure the preservation of this invaluable resource.” Senator McConnell asked Mr. French about the Administration’s support of the White Oak Resilience Act. Mr. French said, the USDA Forest Service is “very supportive” of the overall intent of the McConnell/Warner bill, “especially with the loss that we are seeing [of White Oak trees] across the country.” White Oak trees are vital to the environmental ecosystem, as well as several trademark American industries, like bourbon and furniture production. Considered the most important hardwood tree in the eastern United States, White Oak trees provide sustenance and shelter for a host of wildlife species across the country. White Oak trees can take up to 25 years to reach full maturity, but a lack of seedlings has created an impending shortage that threatens… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.paul.senate.gov/265478-2/ | Senator Rand Paul Honored Retiring Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson in Bowling Green | 2025-05-07 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Rand Paul | P000603 | www.paul.senate.gov | paul | https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6th, 2025 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-578-8903 Senator Rand Paul Honored Retiring Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson in Bowling Green BOWLING GREEN, KY – U.S. Senator Rand Paul honored Dr. Bob Jackson, retiring President of Murray State University, during a recognition ceremony this week at the Senator’s State office During his remarks, Senator Paul stated, “If you’re looking for people who are the next generation of farmers and agriculture, they’re most likely to be kids of people who are farming in agriculture. So, it’s great to have a university that has expertise in the agricultural sciences and the kids who want to remain in and have an opportunity. I see it as serving a great purpose. We’ve worked well with Doctor Jackson over the years, and we wish him success.” “It has been an honor to work with Sen. Paul during these past many years as we worked to advance our Commonwealth and Murray State University,” said Dr. Bob Jackson. “Importantly, we greatly appreciate the Senator’s support of a School of Veterinary Medicine at Murray State University which will have a major and lasting impact on agriculture in Kentucky.” Under Dr. Jackson’s leadership, Murray State established an accredited school of veterinary medicine—a transformative achievement aimed squarely at addressing the severe shortage of large-animal veterinarians in rural Kentucky. This initiative has positioned Murray State as a leader in supporting Kentucky’s animal agriculture economy, equipping local students to serve farm communities and helping ensure the long-term viability of the state’s livestock industry. Dr. Jackson will retire on June 30, 2025, and begin serving as President Emeritus on July 1. During the ceremony, he presented Senator Paul with a commemorative gift from Murray State to be displayed in the State office. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
| https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D4BCC052-6920-45A3-84ED-A6845872CE93 | McConnell Statement on FY26 Budget Request Defense Topline | 2025-05-02 | 2025 | 2025-05 | Republican | Senate | KY | Mitch McConnell | M000355 | www.mcconnell.senate.gov | mcconnell | https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases | scraper | LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman, Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on the outlined President’s budget request: “It is peculiar how much time the President’s advisors spend talking about restoring peace through strength, given how apparently unwilling they’ve been to invest accordingly in the national defense or in other critical instruments of national power. In March, the Trump Administration missed a tremendous opportunity to answer their predecessors’ chronic underinvestment in the U.S. military with robust, full-year funding for FY25. Now, it appears the Trump Administration’s FY26 defense budget request will double down on the Biden Administration’s material neglect for the glaring national security threats challenges about which they speak with great alarm. “Make no mistake: a one-time influx reconciliation spending is not a substitute for full-year appropriations. It’s a supplement. OMB accounting gimmicks may well convince Administration officials and spokesmen that they’re doing enough to counter the growing, coordinated challenges we face from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and radical terrorists. But they won’t fool Congress. The correct response to the most dangerous threats to U.S. interests in decades is not a fifth straight budget request that proposes a real-dollar cut to the U.S. military. “America cannot expect our allies to heed calls for greater annual defense spending if we are unwilling to lead by example. Fortunately, Presidential budget requests are just that: requests. Congress will soon have an opportunity to ensure that American power – and the credibility of our commitments – are appropriately resourced. I hope and expect that my colleagues will join me in placing America’s national security first as we begin the FY26 appropriations process.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:29Z |
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