url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at 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 the West has not passed. But he must not continue to make the same miscalculation that his predecessor made in 2022. Administration officials say that the “fall” of the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk is a bellwether for what’s to come for Ukraine. Yet, Pokrovsk, whose population was only around 60,000 even before the war, has yet to fall. And in the entire year and a half that the Russians have spent trying to take this relatively small city, their minuscule gains have come at staggering material and human costs. Russians are paying an extraordinary economic price in pursuit of Putin’s lust for glory and blood. Russian oil and gas revenue have fallen more than 30 percent due to attacks on its energy infrastructure. The Kremlin has been selling gold to stabilize its finances and shield elites from the true cost of Putin’s war. And roughly a quarter of Russian companies are now bankrupt or at risk. Russia cannot afford the war it is fighting, but it can prolong it. Putin may be playing for time, but he is not dragging out this conflict because it is his preferred tactic. He is dragging it out because he cannot achieve a decisive victory. He’s hoping that slow, grinding attrition will divide the West. Instead, the United States must stand with European allies investing heavily in their own defense and far exceeding American support to Ukraine. If there are economic fruits of peace, they lie in cooperation with an innovative, Western-oriented Ukraine and a resurgent Europe, not in a bankrupt, backward Russia. Envoy Steve Witkoff has been to Moscow six times since the administration took office and worked to get Putin an invitation to the U.S. Yet, just as the Russians have barely moved in their ground offensive against Ukraine, they have not moved an inch in negotiations with the U.S. It is fair to ask what the U.S.’s endgame should be. Wars end when leverage changes. If the U.S. and its allies want a negotiated end, the only proven, viable path is to strengthen Ukraine’s position, not to weaken it. Abandoning Ukraine or granting Russia what it cannot win on the battlefield will not bring lasting peace. Putin wants more than Donbas — he denies Ukrainian sovereignty outright. And his ambitions extend to the Baltic states and other nations once held captive by the Soviet empire. Congress has an array of bipartisan tools to increase pressure on Putin. In October, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced measures to tighten sanctions enforcement, restrict Chinese support for Russia’s war machine and authorize transferring frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The Trump administration’s recent sanctions against Lukoil and Rosneft have had a profound effect, but much more is required. Additional investment in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative — which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the National Defense Authorization Act and the Senate’s defense appropriations, and which is spent here at home to reconstitute America’s defense industrial capacity — would bolster European contributions and help ensure Ukraine has the air defenses, long-range weapons and industrial support needed to sustain a position of strength. Putin is betting the U.S. will talk itself into believing Ukraine cannot succeed. The past four years show the opposite. Ukraine has defied every expectation, including our own. Kyiv is not losing, and Moscow is not winning. It is up to Washington to match Ukraine’s resolve with the clarity this moment demands.",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 community, we appreciate Senator McConnell’s introduction of this important piece of legislation. This bill will include Line of Duty Death (LODD) benefits for retired members of law enforcement that have been murdered because of their prior law enforcement actions. Passage of the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 will give some comfort to Chief Proffitt’s family while providing security to law enforcement families,” said Scott Hildebrand, President of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police. “The Tompkinsville Police Department is grateful to Senator McConnell for his work to support and honor our law enforcement families. Thirteen years later, we still mourn the loss of Chief Herbert “Sprocket” Proffitt, a devoted father and leader in Tompkinsville who dedicated his life to keeping our community safe. We are proud to see his legacy honored with this important legislation,” said Kerry L. Denton, Deputy Chief of Police, City of Tompkinsville. The legislation is endorsed by the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Narcotic Officers Association, the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association, and the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police.",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 leaders to complete the chemical weapons disposal mission at BGAD,” said Senator McConnell. “Now that the mission is complete, we’re focused on building a new future for the Depot—expanding its world-class facilities and unlocking new economic opportunities for Central Kentucky. With the NDAA’s passage, the Army is now positioned to help shape that future mission.” “Senator Mitch McConnell’s leadership has once again delivered real results for Madison County and for our nation’s defense. Throughout the NDAA process, Senator McConnell championed measures that not only protect Blue Grass Army Depot from closure, but actively encourage the Department of Defense to expand propellant manufacturing and artillery munition production right here at BGAD. This is exactly the kind of forward-looking investment we have been advocating for during my tenure—one that strengthens national security while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs for our community. I am grateful to Senator McConnell and our federal delegation for their continued partnership and commitment to protecting and growing this critical Madison County asset,” said Madison County Judge Executive Reagan Taylor. Additional Kentucky Priorities in the NDAA Senator McConnell also secured several provisions throughout the NDAA process that support the Commonwealth’s role as a cornerstone of America’s national defense: Authorization for a new $45 million air traffic control tower at Fort Campbell, replacing the aging existing structure. Support for the Army’s procurement of advanced Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net Systems. Encouragement for the potential use of the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System to defend Air Force bases. Support to our Nation’s Servicemembers and U.S. National Security NDAA In addition to these Kentucky-specific victories, the NDAA also authorizes the following provisions to support our service members and to deter American adversaries: Authorization of a well-deserved 3.8% pay raise for service members. Overhauls the defense acquisition bureaucracy to speed support defense innovation and accelerate the Defense Department’s procurement of critical weapon systems and munitions. Reauthorizes the Ukraine Security Initiative and formally authorizes the Baltic Security Initiative. Prohibits the drawdown of American forces in Europe and South Korea below certain levels and reinforces U.S. defense partnerships with Taiwan, the Philippines, and Israel.",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 would dramatically expand Americans’ access to HSAs and to more affordable coverage by: Opening HSAs to all Americans, regardless of income level or current insurance coverage, to take advantage of a tax-free HSA. Raising the maximum annual HSA contribution to $24,500 for 2026. By contrast, for 2026, the HSA contribution limit is only $4,400 for an individual and $8,750 for a family. Expanding what HSAs can cover to include health insurance premiums, vitamins and dietary supplements, gym memberships, and wearable fitness trackers, so Americans can use their own money to invest in prevention, wellness, and coverage that works for them. The bill also reforms Association Health Plans to unlock new bargaining power for everyday Americans: Allowing any membership organization to sponsor an ERISA health plan across state lines, regardless of an employment relationship. Nearly any membership-based entity could be empowered to collectively negotiate with insurers for better rates. Creating new coverage options through groups such as rideshare services, online retailers, wholesale clubs, credit unions, churches, and other associations that bring people together. Protecting coverage during job changes or unemployment, so Americans no longer have to fear losing their health plan when they lose or change a job. 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=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 2026 and invest accordingly. Senior Pentagon officials have expressed a commitment to rebuilding American hard power. But others in the administration have balked at the resources required for these overdue efforts. In March, the president’s budget advisers pushed the first-ever full-year continuing resolution for defense, effectively extending President Biden’s anemic defense budget. In June, OMB submitted a request for 2026 that would hold annual defense spending stagnant against inflation. In the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, administration officials then created budgetary chaos by pressing Congress to squeeze multiyear efforts like shipbuilding into a one-time spending measure using a process known as budget reconciliation. This complicated maneuver left critical programs on the cutting-room floor. Pentagon leaders have since acknowledged that total 2025 shortfalls after reconciliation exceed $25 billion. Presidential priorities like Golden Dome and restoring shipbuilding are necessary to keep America safe, but they will fail without sustained long-term investment. In recent weeks, Pentagon officials have acknowledged a $20 billion to $30 billion shortfall in critical munitions. Despite the complaints of senior administration officials about our limited production capacity, the administration’s 2026 budget request failed even to make use of that capacity to begin addressing the issue. Pentagon leaders now seem eager to support multiyear procurement to address the challenges ahead, but these plans are wishful thinking without additional funding. By independent estimates, Golden Dome alone could cost upward of $3.5 trillion over the next 20 years, but the program is likely underfunded even this year. The president announced his selection of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft for the Air Force, the F-47, but this program is underfunded in 2026 by $500 million. Pentagon dithering over the Navy’s sixth-generation fighter, the F/A-XX, has delayed its development and led to hundreds of millions in contract-extension costs. If the department made a decision, Mr. Trump could launch a program that ensures the aircraft carrier remains America’s premier power-projection platform for decades. The pace of military operations in the Middle East and Western Hemisphere has also exacerbated a shortfall in operations and maintenance, another consequence of the full-year continuing resolution. Combine that with the shortfall for Navy ship operations and the total operations and maintenance shortfall likely exceeds $2 billion. These shortfalls aren’t breaking news. They are why the Senate passed, 77-20, a National Defense Authorization Act delivering $32 billion above the OMB request and on top of the money authorizers included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, which I chair, worked with Pentagon leaders to build in an extra $7 billion to address urgent munitions requirements. It included nearly $8 billion to address shortfalls from reconciliation. And it addressed billions of dollars in unfunded requirements submitted by the armed services and combatant commands. To do so, we set our top line at $21.7 billion above the administration’s 2026 request. As we look ahead to conferencing this bill with the House, Congress ought to ensure that this higher allocation is what the president signs into law. Mr. Trump’s advisers should encourage him to help Congress pass a defense appropriations bill that makes the historic investments needed to restore peace through strength. A full-year bill capped at the OMB-requested level or another full-year continuing resolution would be devastating to the U.S. military. And it would imperil the president’s military legacy.",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 the tools they need to rebuild their lives and stay on the path to sobriety.”",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 into one service facility. “This federal funding will allow TARC to expand its operations, and the new brake-maintenance shop will help keep buses running safely, reliably, and on time,” said Senator McConnell. “Reliable public transit connects riders across Louisville and its suburbs to jobs, schools, and local businesses. TARC plays an important role in keeping our community moving, and this investment will strengthen the service that so many families rely on every day.” “TARC is committed to providing great service to the city of Louisville; this award places us in a better position to do just that as we move toward implementing the New TARC Network next August,” said Ozzy Gibson, TARC Executive Director. “With the expansion of the 10th street maintenance facility, service reliability and performance across the fleet will improve for the Greater Louisville area; TARC is incredibly grateful to Senator McConnell for his support of this grant.” ###",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 other equipment updates. “Ohio County Healthcare is a vital resource for tens of thousands of residents who depend on it for quality medical care, and it provides important jobs and health benefits to many families in our region,” said Senator McConnell. “These much-needed infrastructure improvements will ensure the hospital remains safe, reliable, and capable of delivering prompt emergency care when it’s needed most.” ""As a rural Critical Access Hospital, we are deeply committed to providing high-quality care to our neighbors—many of whom face economic hardship and limited access to essential health services,” said Shellie Shouse, CEO of Ohio County Healthcare. “Senator McConnell’s continued support of OCH is not just appreciated; it is vital. Without it, our ability to safeguard the health and well-being of our community would be severely compromised."" In addition to the federal funding wins, the FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report includes additional language and provisions advanced by Senator McConnell to benefit Kentucky and the broader national interest. Closes the Intoxicating Hemp Loophole Includes language 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. More info HERE. Supports White Oak Forest Conservation Recognizes the ecological and economic importance of White Oak forests and encourages the Natural Resources Conservation Service to expand conservation efforts. This provision supports Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry and builds on McConnell-backed legislation like the White Oak Resiliency Act. Enhances Equine Health Research Funding Establishes a dedicated line item in the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) budget for equine health. Previously equine health was grouped with programs for deer, sheep, goats, and other similar animals. This new structure provides greater transparency and a stronger focus on equine-specific research. Ensures Scientific Integrity in Alcohol Guidelines Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and USDA to rely solely on findings from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) when updating alcohol consumption recommendations in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This provision addresses concerns raised during the Biden administration that the DGA Committee might rely on biased sources. It ensures that any guidance is based on sound science and independent expert review. ###",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 domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing American dependence on foreign suppliers. This funding represents a step toward an opportunity identified in the Army’s study on the feasibility of reusing the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant and the Blue Grass Army Depot infrastructure, which was authorized by the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. As articulated by the feasibility study, BGAD is a promising potential home for new missions that would help bridge critical supply chain gaps. “Senator McConnell’s steadfast leadership and vision continue to deliver meaningful results for Madison County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. His success in securing funding for the new military container production project at the Blue Grass Army Depot represents a critical step in sustaining economic growth and preserving the skilled workforce that has long supported the Depot’s mission. As operations at the Chemical Demilitarization Site conclude, Senator McConnell has worked alongside us for a continual focus on job replacement and reinvestment which ensures BGAD remains an anchor of opportunity and innovation for Madison County and for the nation,” said Reagan Taylor, Madison County Judge Executive. Fort Campbell $45 million in federal funding for the construction of a new air traffic control tower at Campbell Army Airfield. The existing tower, built in 1975, is among the oldest still in use in the U.S. Army. It supports the critical operations of the 101st Airborne Division and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell. This new tower will be more capable of supporting Campbell Army Airfield’s high tempo of operations, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. $11 million in federal funding for the planning and design of a modernized hangar at Campbell Army Airfield. The 101st Airborne Division currently faces a shortage of hangar space for its CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. A new hangar would accommodate the significant increase in Chinooks stationed at Fort Campbell and enhance the Campbell Army Airfield’s readiness and operational effectiveness in support of the 101st’s operations. “The Military Affairs Committee is proud to stand beside the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms. Our mission has always been to ensure they are supported, equipped, and prepared for success—both in service and at home. We are deeply grateful for Senator McConnell’s enduring leadership and his tireless advocacy for Fort Campbell. His commitment continues to strengthen not only the installation but the entire community that supports it,” said Shannon Lane, Director, Military Affairs Committee, Christian County Chamber of Commerce; Member, Citizens for Fort Campbell. Fort Knox $50 million in federal funding for the demolition of legacy aircraft hangars at Ft. Knox. According to base officials, the existing hangars at Ft. Knox are not suitable to support current and future operations at Godman Army Airfield. $8 million in federal funding for the construction of a vehicle access road at Ft. Knox. The funding will support the construction of a new two-way bypass to connect North Knox Street and Bullion Boulevard, allowing military equipment and large vehicles to easily travel between Fort Knox’s main north-south roads. $4.5 million in federal funding for the planning and design of two dining facilities at Ft. Knox. These new buildings would replace Fort Knox’s dining facilities, which are currently spread across six structures built in the 1960s. The upgraded facilities would better support key missions of Fort Knox, including the Cadet Summer Training, and training support to external units. They would also be equipped to serve significant numbers of troops during a large-scale deployment of forces from Fort Knox in a time of crisis. “We are certainly thankful for Senator McConnell’s continued support to Fort Knox. His support directly impacts Fort Knox as a strategic enabler of readiness and lethality and continues to make it a premier installation. Furthermore, the benefits Fort Knox derives from the Senator’s support directly impacts the greater Fort Knox community,” said Lance O’Bryan, President and CEO of the Knox Regional Development Alliance. Kentucky National Guard $1.5 million in federal funding for the planning and design of the National Guard Readiness Center in Somerset. This federal funding will support the planning of a new Army National Guard Readiness Center and Vehicle Maintenance Shop in Somerset, Kentucky. Currently, elements of the Kentucky National Guard assigned to the existing Somerset Armory, which was built in 1949, and the London Field Maintenance Shop, which was built in 1958, operate out of dated facilities. This new facility in Somerset would provide consolidated, modern infrastructure to better support the Kentucky Army National Guard’s operational needs in southeastern Kentucky. ###",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 give our hemp farmers ample time to prepare for their future, the legislation also contains a one-year implementation delay and requires FDA to establish industry guidance within 90 days. “The language included in today’s bill preserves the legitimate hemp industry while addressing the rise of intoxicating and synthetic THC products. Industrial hemp and CBD will remain legal for industrial applications — such as seed, stock, fiber, grain oil — or used in drug trials, federally authorized research, or research at an institution of higher education, such as the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Research Program,” said Senator McConnell. “I am proud to have championed this language that keeps these products out of the hands of children, secures the future of regulated hemp businesses, and keeps our promise to American farmers and law enforcement by clarifying the intention in the 2018 Farm Bill” “These psychoactive products are being sold openly in vape shops and convenience stores with little to no regulation, making them readily accessible to middle and high school students. Their intoxicating effects can impair judgment, hinder academic performance, and increase the likelihood of progression to more dangerous substances. The KNOA is far more concerned for the welfare of our youth than for the profits of an industry that converts hemp into such harmful products,” said Tommy Loving, Executive Director of the Kentucky Narcotic Officers’ Association. “The Kentucky Narcotic Officers’ Association commends Senator Mitch McConnell for his continued leadership in working to close this loophole. Senator McConnell has long been an advocate for protecting children and supporting law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe.” ""Our community works together to keep all of our children safe from many threats. Unfortunately, the proliferation of vaping products that contain delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10, are readily available at retail outlets in all areas of our community. These vapes are being purchased and used by students as young as 10 years old. Students, who many times are trying vaping for the first time, are being exposed to intoxicating hemp products and the results are dangerous. We have created a system that does not provide safeguards to protect our K-12 students from these dangerous products. I commend Senator McConnell for working to close these loopholes in order to protect every child in Kentucky,” said Gary Fields, Bowling Green Independent School District Superintendent. ""Senator McConnell’s steadfast leadership since 2013 has been instrumental in establishing industrial hemp as a critical new commodity, paving the way for growth in American agriculture and manufacturing. The National Hemp Association looks forward to working with him and his colleagues to secure a promising future for our nation’s hemp farmers and the many benefits hemp provides,” said Geoff Whaling, Chair of the National Hemp Association. Additional Support for the Legislation 39 Attorneys General wrote to Congress regarding the legislation on intoxicating hemp-derived THC products. In the letter, they write, “We ask that Congress clarify the federal definition of hemp during the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process or through the reauthorization of the Farm Bill to leave no doubt that these harmful products are illegal and that their sale and manufacture are criminal acts… Many of these products—created by manufacturers by manipulating hemp to produce synthetic THC—are more intoxicating and psychoactive than marijuana a Schedule I controlled substance and are often marketed to minors. Unless Congress acts, this gross distortion of the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provision will continue to fuel the rapid growth of an underregulated industry that threatens public health and safety and undermines law enforcement nationwide.” Health and safety groups from across the country wrote to Congress regarding the impact this issue is having – especially on children --- and the need to address it. In the letter, they write, “The 2018 Farm Bill’s definition of hemp has been interpreted by the hemp industry as “legalizing” hemp-derived THC and all other psychoactive substances derived from hemp…that have similar effects as delta-9 THC The current definition of hemp has created serious challenges for regulators and public-health officials, while fueling widespread, largely unmonitored sales of highly intoxicating products. These substances are now sold nationwide – in gas stations, convenience stores, head shops and online – in ways that are purposely made both accessible and attractive to youth.3-7 These substances are often sold in the form of gummies, chocolates, chips, candies, and cookies… There have been thousands of calls to U.S. poison control centers from use of these products, more than 30% for children 5 years and younger.” Op-ed by Dr. Matt Rossheim, a professor, substance use prevention researcher, and parent in Fort Worth, Texas, where he writes that “Congress must close this loophole, restore hemp to its intended purpose as stated by the sponsors of the original bill, and protect kids before more families are harmed.” In the op-ed, Dr. Rossheim writes: “Since 2021, poison control centers have handled more than 10,000 delta-8 THC cases. In Kentucky, pediatric cannabis poisonings have increased sixfold since 2018, and youth presenting with Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome – severe pain with uncontrollable vomiting – have risen tenfold. No parent should have to wonder whether a pack of gummies at the corner store could send their child to the ER… Some claim that banning intoxicating THC products would destroy the entire hemp market. But hemp has countless legitimate uses: nutritious foods and animal feed, durable textiles, sustainable building materials, eco-friendly plastics, rope, clothing, biofuels, and cosmetics, to name a few. To suggest these markets can’t survive without marijuana look-alikes is like saying corn farmers can’t thrive without moonshine. It’s simply not true.” ###",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 representatives here in Washington are making sure that every federal resource they need is on the ground or headed that way soon. “I spoke with Mayor Craig Greenberg this morning, and my team and I will continue to stay in close contact with local, state, and federal officials, including at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in the coming days. But first and foremost, I’m keeping my fellow Kentuckians in my prayers, and I’d ask our colleagues to do the same.”",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 and the challenges we expect them to face. I know he’s concerned about the erosion of Congress’ authority to set and fund national security priorities. So am I. And if we cannot appropriate, we will render ourselves irrelevant. “The way to provide real certainty and deliver serious, full-year appropriations is to open the government and pass our bill. It’s that simple.” ###",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 government approval. The Safeguarding Personal Information Act of 2025 repeals the de facto national identification mandate in full, restoring the right of every American to move freely, speak freely, and live without government intrusion. Read the bill here. ###",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 Hayek — The Road to Serfdom came up earlier — that the right to liberty of contract really is a basic, fundamental right upon which the economy is based,” Dr. Paul said. “The right to have certainty and to have honesty, and to have the courts uphold contracts without an arbitrary nature. To look at contracts from a dispassionate point of view. Getting involved in the middle of contracts shouldn’t be done lightly, and we need to consider the ramifications of what that does to the economy at large.” Dr. Paul explained that the National Right to Work law simply removes certain aspects of federal law rather than creating new ones. “The way the National Labor Relations Act was written says that you can’t discriminate against workers,” Dr. Paul continued. “And then they had to put an exemption in there — except for you can discriminate against non-union workers, basically. And so that exemption is what is removed by national right to work.” He then asked Greszler what would happen economically if national right-to-work were enacted. “I think that it would improve the economy,” Greszler responded. “We’d see what’s happened in the states that are right to work. But more importantly, it just preserves that fundamental right of every worker to be able to choose whether or not they are forced to pay a private entity as a condition of their employment. And that’s just a fundamental protection that they should have.” Watch the full hearing here. Watch Dr. Paul’s full exchange here. ###",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 Forces, the resolve of Israel’s leaders, and President Trump’s persistent efforts to make it possible. “Two years on from October 7th, the rest of the framework - brokered with U.S. support - would provide an opportunity for Palestinians to turn a page on a dark chapter of terrorism and tyranny and chart a new course without Hamas. However, even with full implementation of the framework, there is cause for vigilance. After all, ceasefire was the nominal state of affairs when Hamas terrorists carried out their savage attacks two years ago. Success will require that Palestinian leaders answer for the corruption, hatred, and incitement that made October 7th possible and engage in true and enduring political and economic reforms. “For our part, America and the West must continue to apply meaningful pressure on Iran to change its behavior and prevent it from reconstituting the web of terror that has threatened Israel and U.S. interests in the region. As the past two years have made painfully clear, America’s support for Israel must not be swayed by the creep of terrorist propaganda and base anti-Semitism into public opinion. The enduring strength and prosperity of the Jewish state is in America’s interest, as is peace in its region.” ###",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 Pentagon’s stated goal of building a resilient, surge-ready munitions enterprise. The prohibitions on new program starts under a CR effectively put high-priority Service modernization efforts on ice. “The Administration says it wants “flexible and efficient” investments. Well, Mr. President, there is nothing flexible, efficient, resilient, or lethal about running the national defense enterprise on a full-year CR. Nor will a CR send the consistent signal industry and investors need to pour private capital into the long overdue expansion of our defense industrial base. If you want to increase our nation’s capacity to produce munitions more quickly and in larger volumes, full-year CRs might just be the worst way to go about it. “I don’t mean to sound overly alarmed. God willing, the House-passed short-term funding extension will give Congress enough time to deliver full-year appropriations and release our military from the constraints of the Biden FY24 budget. But I want our colleagues to understand what’s at stake this fall. The President has set some ambitious, important, and overdue priorities for America’s national security… and none of them come cheap: “Golden Dome for America… An American shipbuilding renaissance… Sixth-generation stealth fighter aircraft… The long-overdue modernization of our nuclear force… Reconciliation isn’t enough to support these major efforts. And neither is a perpetual freeze at the Biden FY24 level. “Reviving the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and re-establishing deterrence – these are priorities we hear about all the time from the President’s advisors. I certainly have no problem with rowing in that direction. I’m all for high standards of physical fitness. But pushups alone aren’t going to stop Chinese hypersonic missiles. The next major conflict will likely be a test of lethality at very long distances. “That’s why I’ve spent years urging successive administrations to rebuild our global power projection and long-range fires. It’s why I criticized the Biden Administration for talking about China as “the pacing threat” but turning in defense budget requests that didn’t even keep pace with inflation. “This Administration cannot afford to make the same mistake. “So, this week, I was encouraged to hear Secretary Hegseth proclaim a “Trump buildup” in the mold of the Reagan buildup that helped end the Cold War. For the record, my fellow defense appropriators and I have been ready to deliver such a build-up since Day One. And our bipartisan bill speaks for itself, putting money where our mouth is. “But here’s the rub: we can only make it happen if the Administration moves from words to action. And an important step in that process is the National Defense Strategy. Historically, the NDS is what Administrations use to define threats, identify objectives, and propose coherent plans for aligning resources to meet them. “But this time around, the stakes are higher. A short-sighted NDS that doesn’t align with the President’s vision of American greatness and peace through strength could wind up as the pretext to extend Biden-era constraints on our military indefinitely. Unfortunately, early reports suggest that this risk may be real… and that the NDS may turn out eerily similar to the rhetoric of Obama-era officials who viewed their remit as managing America’s decline amid a transition to a multipolar world. “If the NDS ignores the importance of maintaining American primacy, fails to account for the global nature of competition with China, or discounts the value of supporting and integrating allies and partners, it would risk further sabotaging the President’s efforts to restore peace through strength. “So I’ll be interested to read how the Department is applying the lessons and dividends of security cooperation with allies and partners to looming challenges… How it plans to address critical munitions shortages even as its FY26 request and reconciliation investment fails to maximize existing production capacity… And how it accounts for the increasing likelihood of simultaneous conflict in multiple theaters. “If the Administration means what it says about restoring deterrence, it would recognize how plans to reduce security cooperation with frontline NATO allies invite more brazen Russian incursions into the alliance’s territory and airspace. It would recognize how China is watching closely for signs of weakening American commitments to European allies, to Ukraine, or to AUKUS partners. “Of course, responsible senior officials who understood the dividends of security cooperation would not have tried an end-run around the President to freeze assistance to Ukraine. They certainly would have appreciated that cutting off intelligence sharing to the world’s foremost experts in drone warfare might make it harder for the U.S. military to achieve “drone dominance”. On that count, I was encouraged earlier this week that the President himself green-lit an expansion of the intelligence cooperation that members of his Administration had wanted to end. “Mr. President, as our colleagues will recall, the President observed last month that Ukraine can win. And unlike some of his advisors, the American people are indicating in clear majorities that they think we ought to help! By one recent poll, more than six in ten Americans support sending more arms and military supplies to help Ukraine win. That includes a clear majority of Republicans! “And the recent voting history of the House of Representatives indicates that this poll isn’t a fluke: Last month, House Republicans voted overwhelmingly to reject an amendment to the NDAA that would’ve barred further assistance to Ukraine. No less than 72% of House Republicans – including leadership – said continuing to arm Ukraine’s defense was a good idea. “Ultimately, the President knows that money talks. He understands that valuable things are also expensive. What’s true in property development is also true in military procurement. There’s no way around it: “Take Golden Dome for example. Building anything close to a continental missile defense shield will, by reasonable estimates, cost several times more than was allocated this year in one-off reconciliation spending… every year… for decades to come. If the Pentagon isn’t even planning to max out its budget request for procuring critical munitions in the short term, why on earth should our adversaries take any talk of long-term missile defense seriously? “Likewise, why should they take American air power seriously if we’re only willing to develop sixth-generation stealth fighters for the Air Force but not for the Navy? What good are multi-billion-dollar aircraft carriers if we’re not prepared to equip them with aircraft that can survive modern warfare? “At home and abroad, I’m concerned that too many of the President’s advisors are unwilling to acknowledge the gap between his stated priorities and what they’re prepared to invest to achieve them. If you ask me, the name on the front door at the Pentagon matters a great deal less than whether the services inside are equipped and prepared to deter and win wars. And we’re facing real, glaring gaps in critical capabilities. “The ink was barely dry on the One Big Beautiful Bill when senior Pentagon leaders began to report to my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee that they still faced significant funding shortfalls. Given the high pace of operations in the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere, it’s safe to assume these costs are continuing to rise. “Mr. President, there’s a lot going on around this building. But soon, I hope our colleagues will have an opportunity to go on the record in favor of investing in peace through strength. We’ll have a chance to put our money where our mouth is on re-establishing deterrence and rebuilding the force required to back it up. Our investments in the common defense are a signal of our national resolve. “When the American people spoke last November, I don’t think they meant for their leaders to mail in a third year of anemic Biden-era toplines. I don’t think the President assembled his policy and budget advisors with a mind to punt in the face of looming threats. “When he hired civilian Pentagon leaders to restore deterrence, I think he meant more than just threatening adversaries with a catchy line on camera… I think he meant building the force that threatens them with its very existence! “So if the Administration wants a Trump buildup, then let’s build one. And, once Democrats’ shutdown is over, let’s start with serious, increased, full-year investments in the national defense.” ###",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 constitutional rights and civil liberties, targeting political opponents, and costing taxpayers approximately $200 million per year, all while failing to stop a single terrorist,” said DNI Gabbard. “ODNI has worked closely with DHS and Sen. Paul to expose the truth behind this program, putting an end to weaponization against Americans.” “It is clear that the Quiet Skies program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administration—weaponized against its political foes and exploited to benefit their well-heeled friends. I am calling for a Congressional investigation to unearth further corruption at the expense of the American people and the undermining of US national security,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “TSA’s critical aviation and security vetting functions will be maintained, and the Trump Administration will return TSA to its true mission of being laser-focused on the safety and security of the traveling public. This includes restoring the integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans.” View the Chairman’s opening statement here. Opening remarks as delivered below: In mid-2024, as she grew increasingly critical of the Biden administration and increasingly involved with the Trump campaign, Tulsi Gabbard noticed changes as she went to the airport, she had more screening federal agents with dogs showing up for her flights. Other federal agents followed her on the plane and reported back on her activity. When I learned of this, I launched an investigation into the TSA’s Quiet Skies Program and the Biden administration’s weaponization of watch list against everyday Americans Under public scrutiny, the Biden administration removed now Director of National Intelligence Gabbard from the program, but they spent the remainder of their time in office stonewalling any investigation. Thankfully, that era is over. President Trump, himself a victim of government weaponization, set out to reverse the previous administration’s targeting of the very citizens it has sworn to protect. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has taken decisive action to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles resisting transparency. We are finally getting answers, and now we know exactly why the previous administration fought so hard to keep us in the dark. Director Gabbard was surveilled on at least five domestic flights by Federal Air Marshals under Quiet Skies. Internal records for her targeting show her congressional portrait and that she was a former congresswoman from Hawaii. So, there was no doubt they knew who they were monitoring. Multiple concerns were raised internally, and one air marshal asked a colleague, why the heck is she a Quiet Skies suspect? If this can happen to a combat veteran, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, and now Director of National Intelligence, it can happen to anyone. And it did. Today, for the first time, you will hear directly from a Federal Air Marshal whose wife was labeled a domestic terrorist simply for engaging in protected First Amendment activity. Records show the FBI labeled her as a domestic terrorist for unlawful entry into the Capitol on January 6th. But she didn’t enter the Capitol. She came for a public, support of the President, and they knew it. Her phone location data did not put her inside the Capitol. Facial recognition did not identify her inside. She had no criminal record and no history of extremist views. What they did know is that this Catholic schoolteacher from Texas supported President Trump and went to Washington to attend his rally at the Ellipse. That was not enough for the government. That was not enough to label her a suspected domestic terrorist for two years. Her family was surveilled when they flew. This was not an isolated case. It happened to hundreds of Americans. It happened because the TSA used First Amendment protected activity as a predicate for watch listing Americans. That’s unconstitutional, of course. First Amendment activity cannot be the sole basis for watch listing someone, but sole basis is an important caveat and it’s an opening the TSA exploited. Today we will release internal TSA records that reveal how the agency authorized First Amendment activity to be used to justify the surveillance of Americans with no evidence and no recourse. Using broad and vague authorities, TSA deemed hundreds of Americans as threats to national security simply for holding opposing political views. The federal government used its investigative authorities, anonymous tips and university research institutions to build a flimsy case to put them on the watch list. They didn’t just coincidentally watch list hundreds of people who attended the same Trump rally. They did it intentionally and obscured the process to create plausible deniability. For example, documents obtained in my investigation reveal that TSA relied on data collected by the George Washington University Project on Extremism. Consider this first, DHS funds the Project on Extremism. An external partner not bound by the same laws and regulations as federal agencies. Then, the Project on Extremism identifies supposed domestic threats by meticulously tracking January 6th defendants. DHS then uses the Project on Extremism reporting as evidence, sometimes the only evidence for putting someone on a watch list. But the abuses weren’t limited to January 6th. The TSA also viewed skeptics of COVID mandates as threats. Simply removing a mask on an aircraft got 12 Americans watch listed. Records also show three current members of Congress, all Republicans, were included in the companion Silent Partner Program either as a sitting member or while seeking elected office. A cursory review would have revealed them to be either a member of Congress or decorated active or former US Military members. And in fact, they were surveilled, likely for activities that were official duties during their time in the military or in Congress. All of this was wrong, and I’m glad that these abuses are beginning to be exposed. 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. 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. ###",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 only after the FBI closed its case due to mistaken identity. “Quiet Skies was an unconstitutional dystopian nightmare masquerading as a security tool costing the American taxpayers $200 million a year. And what did we get for it? According to DHS, the Quiet Skies program failed to stop a single terrorist attack since it was created. Instead, taxpayers are footing the bill for a surveillance program that turned its watchful eye inward—targeting Americans who had committed no crimes, violated no laws, and in many cases were government officials themselves,” said Dr. Paul. ###",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 unjustified trade war with one of our strongest allies. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner, but the President’s tariffs are jeopardizing that relationship—and adding costs for Minnesota families,” said Klobuchar. “We should not raise costs, hurt businesses, and eliminate jobs by attacking our neighbor and ally.” “Canada is a vital trading partner for Virginia, and the misguided tariffs that President Trump has placed on the country have already led to increased costs for families and businesses across the Commonwealth,” said Warner. “I urge my colleagues to join me in sending a clear message: it’s time to end the reckless trade policies that are hurting American consumers, small businesses, and our allies.” “Upstate New Yorkers – and Americans across the country – are already paying the price for Trump’s reckless and nonsensical trade war,” said Leader Schumer. “His tariff tax has been felt on everything from groceries to new clothes. The tariffs and threats of economic instability have driven up prices, collapsed tourism, and stunted small businesses. It is beyond time for Senate Republicans to stand with us and stand up to Trump’s economic devastation. Congress must side with American families, small businesses, and the global economy and say no to the false “national emergency” Trump announced to impose tariffs on Canada.” Specifically, the legislation would terminate the February 1 emergency declaration that President Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada, and would eliminate the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as a result. President Trump’s order cited the IEEPA, an unprecedented use of IEEPA’s emergency provisions in the law’s nearly half-century history. The IEEPA tariffs are the largest tax increase on American families in recent history. Public opinion surveys have overwhelmingly demonstrated that the American people do not support Trump’s trade wars. According to a recentsurvey by Public First, 43 percent of American adults opposed applying tariffs to Canada. An Economist/YouGov surveyfound a majority of U.S. adults, 52 percent, were opposed to Trump’s Canada tariffs. In 2024, Canada was Virginia’s largest export market, accounting for 15 percent of Virginia’s exports. In 2022, top goods exports from Virginia to Canada included motor vehicles and transportation equipment, such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks. 56.1 percent of Southwest Virginia’s economic output is dependent on trade. In addition to Paul, Kaine, Klobuchar, Warner, and Schumer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Full text of the legislation is available here. ###",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 skyrocketing interest costs mean it will take a six percent reduction annually just to get us back on track. The math doesn’t lie. Either we take responsibility now, or we condemn our children and grandchildren to economic ruin.” Read the Six Penny Plan HERE. ###",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 Director Francis Collins: “Please delete this e-mail after you read it.” In another email, dated July 20, 2020, Dr. Fauci displayed a blatant disregard for congressional oversight, remarking “As usual [Rand Paul]’s full of s..t” and wrote to his Chief of Staff: “please delete this e-mail after you read it.” “Dr. Fauci misled Congress and the American people. The evidence is clear: while publicly posturing as a champion of science, he was privately directing his staff to destroy federal records,” said Dr. Paul. “This is a blatant violation, a betrayal of the public trust, and further proof that Fauci engaged in a coverup from the very beginning of the pandemic.” ###",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 override the guardrails of public discourse. Yesterday’s assassination comes with an especially bitter irony. Charlie Kirk’s success as an activist and communicator came from his appetite for passionate disagreement. His willingness to peacefully debate all comers was an example of exactly what the founders had in mind. But the founders also knew that combatting the sort of cowardice behind political assassination was too big a job for government, alone. They knew that the responsibility to reject political violence would rest on the shoulders of every American. Every one of us must resist the temptation to treat those with different politics as enemies. We must treat the clash of ideas in the public square as a celebration of our democracy, not a pretext for war. If you’re ever tempted to believe in recourse to violence among neighbors, patriots and fellow citizens, think again. Think of Charlie. And keep his family in your prayers.",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 support from Senator McConnell, his staff, and the Kentucky Grants Program,” said Kyle Raney, General Manager, Winchester Municipal Utilities. ###",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 these snacks, thinking they’re candy, not poison. On top of that, these products are easily accessible and can be purchased at convenience stores. Some of them are even more intoxicating than actually smoking marijuana. Let me repeat that. Products more potent than marijuana can be bought off the shelf of a gas station. “For years, I have called on the FDA to regulate these products. They have not taken the initiative to do so, and that is disappointing. So that’s why we’re here today. The language I recently attempted to secure in the agriculture appropriations bill would have kept these dangerous products out of the hands of children, while preserving the hemp industry for farmers. “For the sake of those misguided by my opponents on this issue, let me clarify a few things. You will hear from some that this language would have meant the total destruction of the hemp industry. They’re wrong. Under my language, industrial hemp and CBD would have remained legal. Period. “Some predicted there would be widespread economic downturn for farmers should this language have become law. Wrong again. Hemp makes up less than one hundredth of one percent of all farmed acres in the United States. I want this number to grow exponentially. That’s why I secured the legalization of hemp production in the first place. “As long as I’ve been a Senator for Kentucky, I’ve supported our farmers. I am proud to have served on the Agriculture Committee my entire career in the Senate because of its importance to my home state. From the tobacco buyout program to tax relief for the sale of farmland, I’ve made sure our farmers have the tools they need to be successful in volatile markets. My language would not have changed that. This language would have remained in the appropriations package had one Senator not derailed the process. “You know, it’s one thing to call yourself an advocate for hemp farmers. But if you didn’t support the 2014 pilot program… And you didn’t support the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp production… And you would have blocked a major step forward on this appropriations package if it had included my language to close the bad-actor loophole… Then what does being an advocate even mean? “This package funds a significant portion of the federal government, from agencies that provide critical resources to our farmers to law enforcement, military and our veterans, just to name a few. “We need the appropriations process to function. Congress needs to do its job and fund the government. And I, for one, do not intend to be an obstacle. So, in order to move this package forward, I allowed for my language to be stripped from the bill. But my effort to root out bad actors, protect our children, support farmers, and reaffirm our original legislative intent will continue.”",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 after the one-time influx of spending Congress passed last month, the Defense Department has come to us to acknowledge significant shortfalls in critical areas such as shipbuilding and high-demand munitions. The lesson here is obvious: There is no substitute for consistent, full-year appropriations that adequately address the growing requirements of our military. Our effort this year won’t be enough to close the gaps with our adversaries’ sustained investments. Expanding shipyard and munitions capacity, deepening stocks of critical weapons, adopting new technologies, and recruiting and retaining service members and a skilled civilian workforce will all require increased funding. Meeting the urgent needs of a military adapting to renewed major-power competition will take growing annual commitments. For now, however, we must focus on expanding production capacity for critical munitions — from the most basic artillery rounds to cutting-edge air defense interceptors. Recent high-tempo operations, such as the U.S. Navy’s work to defend freedom of navigation against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, have made it clear just how quickly modern warfare can deplete stockpiles of important (and expensive) weapons. We know the Pentagon’s top leaders share our commitment to deepening America’s magazines, but the president’s initial budget request was insufficient for the scale of the challenge he intends to address. The Senate’s higher allocation of $7.3 billion to fully fund and expand munitions production capacity would show we’re serious about tackling this multiyear project. China’s naval buildup, at astonishing speed and scale, puts America’s dwindling capacity to build tomorrow’s Navy — or even maintain the fleet we have — in stark relief. The Senate’s bill would address shipbuilding misalignments and funding shortfalls that reconciliation left behind by increasing investment in critical projects such as Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines, DDG-51 destroyers, shipyard infrastructure, and workforce development by $8.7 billion. Our bill also makes significant investments in quality of life for men and women in uniform, such as major renovations of Marine Corps barracks across many bases and a pay raise of nearly 4 percent, including funding the raise for junior enlisted members in last year’s defense authorization bill. It also fully funds child care fee assistance programs for military families for the first time. Finally, we recognize the enormous dividends of investing in allies and partners. Our measure will help our friends — from the Baltic states to the Global South, the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East — build more capable forces, buy U.S.-made weapons and technologies, increase collective deterrence, and keep more U.S. service members out of harm’s way. Prevailing in any future fight will also draw on the lessons we continue to learn from Ukraine, a place the Army secretary rightly calls “the Silicon Valley of warfare.” Abandoning partners at the cutting edge of modern warfare would be strategic self-harm. That’s why our bill would restore funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative as well as programs like it that make America safer. Just after the start of World War II in Europe, the chief of naval operations, Adm. Harold Stark, was instrumental in delivering what became known as the Two-Ocean Navy Act, an overdue break from years of stagnant military investment. Stark observed then that “dollars cannot buy yesterday.” If our colleagues and the administration are serious about defeating tomorrow’s threats, then we must start investing in our common defense today.",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 cracks. In fact, senior Pentagon officials have already come to me and the Ranking Member to report that they’re still billions of dollars short on programs that we were told reconciliation would address. There is no substitute for robust, full-year defense appropriations. And this is a strong, bipartisan bill that proves we can do our job, and keep our commitments to the men and women of the U.S. military. They deserve no less. Here are a few of the items we address: First, recent operations in the Middle East illustrates how quickly modern warfare can exhaust our arsenal of critical munitions. The Administration’s request did not fully maximize production capacity for certain critical munitions, so we added $5.2 billion to buy larger quantities of air-defense interceptors, long-range fires, and other key munitions. We also added $2.1 billion to expand production capacity of munitions, and included some important initial investments in restoring America’s organic industrial base. Second, we’ve also added $4.6 billion to address growing demand for more extensive air and missile defenses. But developing a more layered missile defense shield that can protect the homeland and our forces abroad from growing threats is going to take years of sustained resources. Third, we’ve tried to help the Department meet requirements that the final reconciliation bill and the FY26 base budget request left unfunded, including advanced procurement for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines, cost-to-compete for surface vessels, major renovations to dilapidated Marine Corps barracks, and ship operations costs for our Navy. We also included more funding for destroyer construction, shipyard infrastructure, and workforce development to help fix our ailing shipbuilding industry and get production back on track. Fourth, we invest in ally and partner militaries. We know that confronting Chinese aggression will require collective deterrence. Helping grow our friends’ capacity to defend themselves in the Indo-Pacific – as in Europe or the Middle East – enhances deterrence and helps our allies share more of the burden. It also means more investment in interoperable, U.S-made systems and lower risks for U.S. servicemembers. These are investments that pay dividends, and I’m not just talking about treaty allies. The Secretary of the Army rightly calls Ukraine “the Silicon Valley of warfare”. The Navy considers the maritime fight between Russia and Ukraine as the Black Sea Battle Lab and recognizes the need for rapid innovation. So we added $216 million on top of the Administration’s request for drone and counter-drone capabilities, consistent with the intention of achieving “drone dominance.” But abandoning the foremost experts of drone warfare would be strategic self-harm. Shutting off engagement with Ukraine would undermine our military’s efforts to prepare for the modern battlefield. So, like our friends on the Armed Services Committee, we are restoring funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and other security assistance programs that make America safer. Madam Chair, I’m proud of the work of the Defense Subcommittee in producing this bill for our colleagues’ consideration. And I hope it’ll earn the support of the entire Committee. But allow me to close with just one note: None of the challenges we’re facing today can be solved by a single bill or over the course of a single budget cycle. Readiness is not a box to be checked – it’s a state to achieve and maintain. In this era of major power competition, security for future generations of Americans means steady, consistent, predictable, increasing investments in the common defense… year after year after year. If we’re tempted to treat successful FY26 appropriations like a finish line, we’re thinking about our obligations all wrong.",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 Circuit. “He served as the first – that’s right, the first – Solicitor General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As the Solicitor General from 2019 to 2021, Chad oversaw all civil and criminal appellate litigation involving the Commonwealth. He earned a reputation for being fair-minded and professional, and for having a strong work ethic. “From throughout the country, we have dozens of current and former state solicitors general expressing their strong support for Chad’s nomination, saying, ‘As Kentucky’s first Solicitor General, Chad distinguished himself in diverse areas of federal and state law. Chad also exhibits the temperament necessary to serve as a District Judge…As Chad’s professional peers who have witnessed his work, we are confident that he possesses the qualities to serve with distinction as a District Judge.’ “Additionally, it’s quite notable to hear from hundreds of lawyers calling Chad ‘fair-minded’. These attorneys come from many diverse backgrounds and include civil litigators, prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys. They hold various political views and judicial philosophies and are supporting this nomination saying, ‘we all agree that our legal system needs judges who carefully and honestly evaluate the arguments made by the parties and do what the law requires. We all believe that Chad will excel as a District Judge.’ “Amid Chad’s great professional success in private practice, even his colleagues know his value as an excellent lawyer and a careful thinker will serve our nation well, saying, ‘As much as we don’t want to lose him, our loss would be the public’s gain.’ “This is all very resounding support and where that support runs deepest is with Chad’s family. I’d like to recognize his father, Kentucky State Senator Steve Meredith and his mother, Karen. They are both here and I know are very proud of Chad… and so is his wonderful wife, Rebekah, and we can bet that each of their children, Ben, Grace, Emma, and Daniel are beaming with pride for their dad. “Also joining today to support Chad’s commitment to public service is Kentucky State Representative Samara Heavrin, as well as many more members of his family, his friends, and colleagues. “Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to come by and put in a good word. I am confident that Chad Meredith, who has demonstrated devotion to the rule of law and the Constitution, will serve the people of Kentucky and our country well on the federal bench. I appreciate this committee’s consideration of his nomination, and I look forward to his confirmation.”",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 the suffering of its civilians press us to remember that our enemies get a vote. There are, of course, promising signs that the West has managed to free itself from the delusion that hegemonic aggressors can be appeased. Reports of our European allies’ rebuilding their military strength are not exaggerated. Nearly all NATO members today are striving toward the Baltics’ example of investment and readiness… And those who are not should hear from all of us. In the process, allies are making overdue sacrifices to stamp out dependency on Russian energy… They’re placing enormous investments in cutting-edge American-made weapons… And they’re proving willing to break domestic political china – even changing a Constitution or two – to unlock deeper and more sustained commitments to collective defense. This transformation is real. It’s well underway. And it’ll be essential to securing America’s interests in the coming decades. What about here at home? As friends of Ukraine, we may be tempted to dwell on the ways we drag behind this progress… and overlook the ways we underpin it. We may rightly be frustrated by years of murky commitments, slow-walked assistance, fear of escalation, and confusion about who the aggressor is. But I would suggest that, on this, America has much to be proud of. Just consider the cascading benefits of U.S. assistance to Ukraine: a small fraction of our defense budget has helped Ukraine resist and degrade a more powerful military aggressor. After years of talk and little action to address the shortcomings of our own arsenal and defense industrial base, we’ve spurred massive investments in replenishing stocks and producing deterrent capabilities faster. By partnering with the world’s most experienced practitioners of drone warfare, we’ve tapped into a wealth of knowledge about the changing nature of the modern battlefield. Ukraine’s expertise is teaching America today what our forces will need to prevail tomorrow. And as NATO’s biggest spender, America has encouraged much of our allies’ transformation. *** Of course, I don’t mean to suggest that we’ve escaped the gravitational pull of complacency and short-sightedness for good. Our allies’ progress is not assured forever. European security – and trans-Atlantic security – is not some clock to be wound once and left alone. Perhaps the biggest lesson of 2022 – even bigger than the need to invest urgently today – is the importance of long-term commitments, and steady, annual investments in defense. And on this front, America must continue to lead by our example. We simply cannot expect allies to reach and sustain five percent if we’re only willing to spend three-and-a-half, ourselves. A strategy to lead from behind is no strategy at all. And as the Task Force makes perfectly clear, this goes beyond spending targets – it’s about presence, too. Even as our allies and partners build more lethal forces, there’s still no more credible deterrent than American commitment. No wonder European allies generously support rotational deployments of U.S. troops and invest in state-of-the-art training ranges for joint exercises. These commitments improve our collective readiness and interoperability, and they’re worth sustaining. The task of illustrating the strategic importance of Europe to America’s security interests is not ours, alone. In fact, for years now, there’s been no more effective communicator of what’s at stake in Ukraine – strategically and morally – than Putin, himself. As he continues to throw a generation into the meat-grinder of combat and target Ukrainian mothers and children at will, Putin is sending a clear message. And in the face of his brutal aggression and public revisionism, overwhelming majorities of Americans recognize Russia as our adversary… and see that the outcome of Putin’s war of conquest matters immensely to us. Much to the dismay of restrainers and isolationists who thought they’d get to freelance American foreign policy, the President of the United States increasingly sees Putin’s signals for what they are. The President has been right to recognize Putin’s play for time. He’s been right to entertain proposals for new, secondary sanctions. Most importantly, he’s been right to green-light further lethal assistance to Ukraine. I’ve said this before: Stopping the killing is a noble goal, but the price of peace matters. And there will be no enduring peace unless Ukraine is equipped to credibly deter further aggression from Russia. *** The appetite of neo-Soviet imperialism does not end with Ukraine. How do we know? Because Putin’s predecessors subjugated far wider swaths of Europe… Because he invaded Georgia… And because, as we speak, his troops are in Moldova, too! Nations that have spent centuries in Russia’s shadow do not stumble westward by accident. Finland and Sweden did not join NATO out of symbolic solidarity with Ukraine. They did it because they know that Putin wants more. So the Task Force is right to take the long view and grapple seriously with what comes next. What comes next for the trans-Atlantic alliance? What comes next for the increasingly aligned authoritarians working to undermine U.S. interests and influence? What comes next for America and our ability to defend these interests and preserve this influence? As you put it, our deterrence is not divisible. And I would add: this is because our credibility is not divisible. No U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific has time to waste on the notion that the implications of deterrence in Europe are confined to a separate sphere of influence. No ally in Europe can afford to miss the crystal-clear connection between Russian aggression and support from China, North Korea, and Iran. The consequences of America’s strategic decisions still ripple across oceans and continents with equal speed. And a headline that reads “Russia Wins, America Loses” will read as clearly in Beijing, Tehran, and Pyongyang as it does here in Washington. Avoiding that outcome will take more work from all of us. Thank you for all you’re doing.",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 research of concern and risky experiments that involve virus transmission in humans. The National Institutes of Health has proven they are not capable of properly reviewing risky research applications, as in the case of EcoHealth Alliance. I believe the Risky Research Review Act establishes crucial oversight measures to alleviate the legitimate and significant concerns of the American people, thus reestablishing trust in our public health agencies,” said Rep. Griffith. The Life Sciences Research Security Board will serve as an independent body responsible for thoroughly evaluating gain-of-function research and other potentially harmful studies involving high-consequence pathogens. Currently, the funding and study of life sciences research lack sufficient government oversight, allowing American taxpayer dollars to be spent without proper safeguards. Dr. Paul’s legislation establishes a much-needed stringent review process for the board to assess high-risk research and decide whether tax dollars should support specific research proposals, ensuring accountability and strengthening transparency. The Risky Research Review Act will: Establish an Independent Oversight Board: Form a Life Sciences Research Security Board dedicated to protecting public health, safety, and national security by evaluating and issuing binding determinations on high-risk life sciences research proposals seeking federal funding. Define High-Risk Research: Specify high-risk life sciences research as studies with potential dangerous uses, or dual-use research of concern involving a high-consequence pathogen, or gain-of-function research. Ensure Board Independence: Position the board as an independent agency within the Executive Branch, consisting of one executive director, five non-governmental scientists, two national security experts, and one non-governmental biosafety expert, each serving up to two four-year terms. Restrict Funding Without Approval: Prohibit federal agencies from awarding funding for high-risk life sciences research without board approval. Mandate Majority Vote: Require a majority vote of board members to approve high-risk life sciences research. Empower the Board: Authorize the board to compel agencies to turn over necessary information and records, including classified information. Demand Full Disclosure: Require life sciences research grant applicants to declare if their research falls under high-risk life sciences categories or involves select agents or toxins. Automatic Referral: Mandate that all positive attestations are automatically referred to the board. Continuous Subcontract Disclosure: Require grant recipients to continuously disclose subcontracts or subawards to agencies, with agencies required to submit these disclosures to the board. Annual Reporting: The board will submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees and publish it online, summarizing determinations, findings, and information about entities and sub-awardees involved in high-risk life sciences research. You can read the Risky Research Review Act HERE. ###",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), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Todd Young (R-IN) Full text of the letter can be found here.",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 the independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a complete audit of the Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Banks within one year of enactment and to report its findings to Congress within 90 days of completing the audit. The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R- FL), and John Barrasso (R-WY). The bill is supported by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Frontiers of Freedom Institute, and Young Americans for Liberty. Read the bill HERE. ###",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 make the policy effective immediately and end the generous federal subsidies for states supporting illegal immigrants. Read the bill HERE. ###",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 commitment to the American farmer and the future security of America’s food supply.” According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture: Over the past twenty years, Kentucky farmland acreage has declined from 13.8 million acres in 2002 to 12.4 million acres in 2022. In just the last five years, Kentucky lost 546,000 acres of farmland, an average of 290 acres lost per day. In the last five years, the number of farmers in Kentucky has decreased 9%. The number of farms in Kentucky has decreased from 86,541 farms in 2002 to 69,425 farms in 2022. The average age of a Kentucky farmer is 57.1 years old, and approximately 1.3 million farmers nationwide are now at or beyond retirement age. ###",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 suggesting that such interests do not exist? “I have not heard the frequent flyers on War Powers resolutions reckon seriously with these questions. Until they do, efforts like this will remain divorced from both strategic and constitutional reality. “I will oppose Senator Kaine’s resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.”",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 unprecedented peace we have experienced since World War II…And the fruits of the American-led international order…Then it’s worth every penny and then some. “America’s most determined adversaries have studied the capabilities and tactics of our military closely, and have developed advanced radars, sensors, and long-range air defenses to counter precisely the strength we showed last weekend “The PRC has been playing a long game to challenge American primacy. By contrast, in crucial ways, we’ve been taking our edge for granted. Chronic underfunding of the national defense has become a habit of consecutive administrations. Unfortunately, the budget we’re here to discuss today is no exception. In fact, the President’s request for FY26 falls well short of meeting the requirements imposed by today’s threat landscape. We simply will not keep pace with the pacing threat of China if we’re not willing to keep pace with inflation. “The Air Force needs to modernize its bomber and fighter fleets. It needs new tankers and command and control aircraft. It also needs longer-range and more sophisticated munitions. And it needs a lot of them. “The Space Force needs advanced satellite technologies, resilient communications systems, and enhanced surveillance capabilities, to deter aggression, ensure freedom of maneuver, and maintain uninterrupted space-based support to joint and allied forces back on planet earth. And you can’t do any of it with anemic base budgets. You just can’t. “Preserving our military edge and the peace will require sustained and significant increases in defense spending. Not just a one-time infusion. But it’s not just the size of the FY26 request many of us are concerned about. It’s also the structure. The Administration has asked Congress to split the funds for massive procurement efforts like B-21 and Sentinel between the base budget and a one-time reconciliation bill. “I struggle to understand how putting programs with broad bipartisan support in a simple-majority reconciliation bill won’t function like a shell game for avoiding making the sort of annual, base-budget investments we begged the last Administration to make. “The need for stable production of aircraft seems to argue for year-on-year funding baked into a base budget. The constrained topline, of course, is forcing services to make artificially tough choices. In your case, let me just say this: We all want to go to space. But let’s be honest about the risks and trade-offs this request is forcing you to make. If the choice you’re facing is between an available, advanced airborne system with onboard battle management and a nascent space capability, you’re going to have to resist the urge to turn proven capabilities like the E-7 into billpayers. “There’s value in redundancy. We should be making investments in both airborne and space-based command and control. They say that in space, no one can hear you scream. But squandering our advantage in this critical domain because we can’t find the political will to maintain it? That would mean plenty of screaming here on Earth, with devastating consequences for U.S. military operations on land, air, and sea. “I hope we’ll also hear from you about how the Air Force is addressing munitions shortfalls – not just in the massive ordnance penetrators deployed this weekend to great effect, but across the entire spectrum of both offensive and defensive capabilities on which Air Force operations are built. I’ve been hoping to hear from each service how production challenges are being addressed, and the Air Force will be no exception. “Speaking of the MOP, I need to address the manufactured controversy over the extent to which the strikes damaged Iran’s nuclear program. We haven’t been briefed on the intelligence, but the political hand-wringing misses an important point: We’ve demonstrated our military superiority. If we want, we can own the skies over Iran. If the Iranians don’t abandon their nuclear program, we can keep bombing them. And Iran’s remaining leaders should take the off-ramp the President has offered them. “Finally, I’ll ask you to explain for us the lessons you’re taking from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. How is the rapid evolution of unmanned systems informing the decisions you make about drone operations, force protection, and interception? And what information are you getting today that you’d lose if America neglected its relationships with force-multiplying allies and partners? “I’ll look forward to your testimony on each of these fronts.”",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 the cost of already having one. “I welcomed the President’s intention to restore American hard power. His repeated commitments to strengthen the military signaled that he understood this, like President Reagan, that peace through strength really has to be more than a slogan. “Likewise, his authorization of this weekend’s strikes, over the objections of isolationists who downplay the threat of a nuclear Iran, was another indication in the right direction. “But the Administration’s approach to funding the Department of Defense calls into question the ability to keep those campaign promises: “A continuing resolution that forces the Department to meet today’s requirements with yesterday’s dollars… “A base budget request that fails to keep pace with inflation, let alone with the “pacing threat” of China… “And a reconciliation lump-sum crowded with priorities that require stable, annual appropriations. “Our colleague, Chairman Wicker, and his House counterpart had hoped that reconciliation would be a one-time injection on top of a growing base budget, not a shell-game to avoid making the sort of annual investments we begged your Democratic predecessors to make. “I share this concern: we need sustained annual growth to meet the growing threats facing our country. “At your confirmation hearing earlier this year, you said “we have to use taxpayer dollars wisely.” “I couldn’t agree more. I want to get the most out of every dollar the Department of Defense requires to keep America safe and advance our global interests. “But providing for the common defense is our most fundamental obligation. “Dividing funding for major existing bipartisan priorities between base budget and reconciliation isn’t just counterintuitive – it’s actually counterproductive. “And asking Congress to fund a budget that defines our strategy, rather than using strategy to define the budget, is dangerous. “So help me understand a few things: “Why haven’t we received the Administration’s analysis of the future year impacts of major reconciliation in investments like Golden Dome? “How do you propose to pay for them without significant increases to future base budgets? “Why has the Administration taken programs with broad and longstanding bipartisan support, like the Virginia-class submarines, and put them in a partisan reconciliation bill? “Finally, do you even believe we need sustained growth above inflation in our defense budget? “Or should we expect annual cuts from this Administration like we got from the Biden Administration?” ###",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 subject of some debate. Some of his advisors and supporters came with Obama-Biden-era talking points, ready to urge him to continue his predecessor’s policy of constraining Israel. Some had argued publicly that America had no vital or existential interests in the Middle East or claimed the region was a distraction from other priorities. They warned of forever war. Some seemed to push for nuclear negotiations with parameters eerily similar to the nuclear deal he withdrew from during his first term. They even proposed Iran could keep enriching uranium, until the President rightly quashed that idea. “These mixed messages emboldened Iran and its proxies. After all, why give up if Administration officials saw the Middle East as little more than a distraction?…or if they seem as fearful of restoring deterrence as the previous guys? So Hamas kept holding hostages. The Houthis kept targeting Israel and Red Sea commerce. And the Islamic Republic kept marching toward a nuclear weapon. And in response, Israel took the next logical step to restore deterrence. “Once again, innovative and decisive strikes destroyed Iran’s air defenses and imposed immediate costs on Tehran. And leaders from across Israel’s politics stood united behind the daring operations. But here in America, the same restrainers, anti-Israel progressives, and self-proclaimed realists warned again of regional conflagration if the President intervened alongside – or even supported – Israel’s strikes. “The President’s own Director of National Intelligence traveled to Hiroshima to record a bizarre video message – not as a warning against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions but, presumably, against American or Israeli operations to blunt them. “Fortunately, the President rejected the pleas of appeasers and isolationists. The strikes he ordered dealt a massive blow to Iran’s nuclear program, bolstered American credibility, and strengthened U.S. and Israeli leverage to end Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and its support for terrorism for good. “Thanks to Israel’s heroic efforts for more than a year and a half, Iran’s ability to threaten regional stability is massively degraded. Not since before the Islamic revolution has there been such an opportunity for America, Israel, and our Arab partners to reset regional dynamics on such favorable terms. Achieving it has required no large-scale deployment of U.S. ground forces. It required only supporting our friends. Israel is a close ally and a strategic asset. Not a liability. And the strategic return on our investment in assisting Israel is incalculable. “Standing with our Israeli friends offers a powerful lesson about American leadership, the value of alliances and partnerships, and the real nature of peace through strength. And this lesson extends far beyond the Middle East. If America refuses to apply it elsewhere – like Ukraine – we do so at grave risk to our own interests. But that’s exactly what some in Washington seem to be doing. Congress recently learned that a senior DoD official conducted a review of DoD security assistance efforts and concluded that the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), among other programs, was wasteful. This is a Republican Administration panning a program created by a Republican Congress in 2015 to counter President Obama’s toothless response to Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine. I’d like to see the analysis behind the Administration’s decision to zero out USAI in its FY26 request. I’d like to hear them try to explain away the massive return on investment of America’s security assistance to Ukraine and the precious lessons we’ve learned from our Ukrainian partners. “The Secretary of the Army has rightly called Ukraine ‘the Silicon Valley of warfare’. Do his colleagues at the Pentagon think this assessment is wrong, or do they just not think access to the cutting edge of modern combat is valuable? Here’s the truth: USAI and other security assistance efforts have helped us measurably address shortcomings in strategy, capabilities, and production capacity that would have gone ignored until it was too late. “It’s an inconvenient reality for isolationists and restrainers, but – for a tiny percent of our defense budget – we helped a smaller military resist invasion by a vastly larger one and degrade a major U.S. adversary. “As with Israel, Ukraine is fighting an adversary of the United States. Our support does not entangle us in a far-off foreign conflict. For Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea, America is the main enemy – the great Satan. If these adversaries beat our friends, the threat to America become a thousand times greater. We should be grateful for friends so willing to defend our collective interests against common foes. “Partnership with Ukraine is teaching us what modern warfare could mean for U.S. forces when they do face direct conflict. It has tested our assumptions about munitions inventories, expenditure rates, electronic warfare, and the duration of conflict. Without Ukraine’s experience with U.S. weapons, we would have been surprised to find some advanced systems quickly rendered inoperable on future battlefields. “The money we invest in USAI on weapons for Ukraine expands our own production capacity in the process and will improve the quality of our own munitions. Supplemental appropriations on Ukraine and Israel, in turn, backfill our own stocks with brand-new capabilities – not just 155mm rounds, but air defenses and long-range fires, with specific investment in solid rocket motors. These investments help us prepare for conflict in the Indo-Pacific. And production would be slower in the absence of our partnership with Ukraine. Not doing more to address our growing defense needs isn’t a failure of foresight. It’s a failure of political will. Everyone wants to see an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. But the price of peace matters. If we want enduring stability in Europe, we can’t fall for an illusory peace. “We should know enough history not to dismiss this as merely ‘a quarrel in a faraway country, between two people of whom we know nothing’. It’s a major war of conquest in Europe…The most significant since the days of Nazi Germany…And allies and adversaries half a world away are watching it closely for clues about America’s resolve. Certainly, Europe’s deepening commitments to collective defense will make real peace more enforceable. The President’s insistence has driven much of this progress; Putin’s brutality has reinforced it. “Since 2022, our European NATO allies have made historic investments in defense – often buying American. And many are preparing to make even larger commitments at this week’s NATO Summit. This is good news. But we can’t expect allies to continue signing up for 3.5% and 5% commitments if America insists on falling further behind. Likewise, we can’t expect Putin to end his aggression if he thinks America’s abandonment of Ukraine is only a matter of time. And we can’t expect anyone to take America’s threats and commitments seriously if we’re content to let our own strength atrophy. “A base budget request that cuts defense spending in real terms doesn’t show Moscow we’re serious – let alone Beijing. Leading from behind would be bad enough, but this is just plain falling behind. The strongest deterrence is denying an adversary’s objectives through military means. Israel is restoring this deterrence in the Middle East. Ukraine is achieving it by holding its own against Russia. But it needs help. “Recently, I’ve asked Administration officials simple questions, like: Who is the aggressor in this conflict? The answer is obvious. But a second, equally simple question seems to trip them up: Who do we want to win? “The President made the right call to stand with Israel. I hope he’ll also decide to stand with Ukraine, prevent Russian victory, and start reversing a dangerous, downward trend in our defense budgets. I hope he’ll recognize Russia’s attempt to ‘tap him along’ for what it is. Putin is getting mixed messages from Washington. He thinks he has time. He believes the West is weak and divided. But the President – at very little cost – can shatter this illusion. It’s time to impose sanctions, raise the price of Russia’s aggression, redouble security assistance to Ukraine, and drive the Kremlin to seek peace. It’s time for deterrence through denial. “There’s no surer path to just and enduring peace…No better way to demonstrate that peace through strength actually means something…No clearer sign to allies and adversaries watching closely from the Western Hemisphere to the Indo-Pacific that America still has the will to lead.”",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 the resources necessary to meet, deter, and defeat them. “Each of the Services is grappling in its own way with the reality of renewed major-power competition and with the increasing alignment of America’s adversaries. As you know, major transformations test assumptions and service culture. They test the capacity of the industrial base. And, importantly, they hinge on transparent working relations with Congress and on robust and consistent full-year investments in major priorities. “I’ll offer just a few observations in this vein. First, the good: Secretary Phelan, I’ve appreciated your recognition of Congress’ role in equipping the Navy and Marine Corps and the collaborative approach you’ve taken with this subcommittee. Your willingness to communicate transparently will continue to benefit our shared mission of restoring the Navy’s preeminence. I also appreciate your persistent engagement with the maritime industrial base. Your travels to see our shipbuilding challenges across the country, firsthand, have not gone unnoticed. We will not solve this problem without the private sector. “Likewise, General Smith – The Marine Corps spent years developing a clear rationale for major transformation, made tough and deliberate choices, and engaged Congress effectively along the way. Marine Corps Force Design 2030 continues to offer other services valuable lessons as they pursue transformation efforts of their own. I look forward to hearing how the Marine Corps’ own transformation to meet future threats is going: the good, the bad, and the ugly. But, to be quite frank, the decisions this Administration has made on resourcing the Department of Defense – a full-year CR that failed to address rising costs of operations and maintenance and major modernization requirements, a one-time reconciliation investment that risks new cliffs for sustainment, and a base request for FY26 even lower than the previous Administration’s FY25 request – make each of your jobs more difficult. “At the most basic level, an FY26 base defense topline that doesn’t keep pace with inflation – let alone with the ‘pacing’ threat of the PRC – does not show we’re serious about the tasks before us. Neither does pretending that one-time injections of funding are a substitute for consistent appropriations. For example, none of you needs me to point out the breadth of bipartisan support for accelerating procurement of Virginia-class submarines. If the Administration shares our interest in meaningfully expanding shipbuilding capacity, why are investments like this one not built into the base budget request? Why are we allocating funds under extraordinary parliamentary authorities for capabilities that would otherwise have been funded in an annual appropriation? Will the Navy even be able to complete two Virginia class subs with reconciliation money before the funding expires? “Leaving aside the color of money, we’ll also want to hear your assessment of the impediments to delivering essential capabilities like submarines, destroyers, and amphibious vessels at the speed of relevance. This subcommittee has been consistently generous, but despite pouring billions more dollars into the effort, the timeline for producing a Virginia-class sub continues to stretch longer. Of course, we don’t just need to build platforms faster. We need to figure out how to make munitions more efficiently – especially the exquisite missile defense interceptors and long-range fires on which current operations are relying so heavily. How has the Navy handled the high operational tempo in the Red Sea? How does the FY26 request reflect the urgent need to deepen our magazines in a more cost-effective manner? “Finally, I’m curious about the lessons your services are taking from current conflicts. What has the Navy learned from the demands of long deployments and the costs of air wing accidents on the U.S.S. Truman? What lessons is the service taking from Ukraine’s decimation of Russia’s Black Sea fleet? How is the Navy approaching force protection itself? Is it hardening major assets, both in port and at sea? Does it have sufficient resources to do so? “What is the Marine Corps learning from Russia’s ground war in Ukraine? How does information-sharing at the cutting-edge of modern warfare inform the service’s ongoing transformation effort? To what extent is success in the face of unique Indo-Pacific circumstances dependent on things outside your control, like logistics and transportation provided by other services or commands? “I will be curious for each of your observations. I would just suggest that any honest accounting of the task at hand will have to reckon with the deficiencies of the defense topline. If our objective is to build a force capable of projecting power globally to deter, fight, and prevail against Chinese aggression, possibly while engaged in conflict in other theatres, I don’t see how this budget request gets us there. So we’ll look forward to your testimony in just a moment.”",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, President Donald Trump has rightfully demanded greater burden sharing and higher defense spending. As the Summit opens, Senator Lee is introducing two pieces of legislation to support this burden sharing agenda. The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act and NATO Burden Sharing Report Act require regular reporting on allies’ contributions to the common defense. These bills promote burden sharing accountability, removing any doubt as to who the delinquent allies are and equipping Congress with the information it needs to perform necessary oversight. The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act: Requires DOD to prepare an annual report on the defense spending of all 59 U.S. allies – including: Annual defense spending of each allied nation, both as a nominal figure and percentage of GDP Activities of each allied nation that contribute to military or stability operations in which the Armed Forces of the U.S. are a participant or could be called upon per the obligations of a cooperative defense agreement of which the United States is a signatory Any limitation placed by an allied nation on the use of such contributions Any actions undertaken by the U.S. or by other countries to minimize such limitations The NATO Burden Sharing Report Act: Applies only to NATO member countries and includes all of the above reporting requirements plus: A description of each member’s hard vs. soft power contributions for Ukraine Defense industrial base health and comparative advantages Size and structure of armed forces Any areas where the country would be fully reliant on allied assets FMS deliveries or contracts in the previous year Any change in defense spending over the previous year and anticipated future spending Coutesy of Sen. Mike Lee: One-Pager | Bill Text – Allies | Bill Text – NATO ###",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 national debt is at the top of the political agenda?” Read the bill HERE. ###",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 look to the Marine Corps’ own controversial modernization program as a model of transparency and building trust. “Congress has a constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense and steward taxpayer dollars responsibly. And we don’t serve either the taxpayer or the common defense with blank checks for vaguely-defined priorities. “We want to see the analysis behind the specific bets the Army wants to place on ATI. We want to understand the second-order effects on industry, other services, and allies. Certainly, the Army needs to be better equipped to face Indo-Pacific contingencies, and we’ll want to understand how ATI intends to achieve this objective. “Tomorrow’s Army will need to integrate existing systems and modernized capabilities…Sustain existing industrial relationships and welcome new entrants to the defense enterprise. This is not a zero-sum proposition. And if it’s time to walk away from certain legacy programs, the Army will need to show its work. For example, if it’s time to move on from the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, why did the Army sign an $8 billion contract two years ago to procure more? Why did the Army not coordinate its termination decision for a joint program with the Marine Corps and the other services to gauge whether such a decision would put their budgets, operational capabilities, or readiness at risk? And what is the impact on the defense industrial base the Army relies on? “Services have to think through the industrial implication of such decisions. This isn’t an argument to buy vehicles the Army doesn’t need, but a recommendation to consider how existing manufacturing capacity can be put to better use in light of changing requirements. The Army’s abrupt decision to terminate the Robotic Combat Vehicle program also reinforces a tendency to abandon promising capabilities midstream. This signals unreliability to industry partners willing to invest their own capital in future military technologies – in this case, precisely the kind of innovative tech company the Army claims it wants to foster. “Of course, when we understand the Army’s challenges and objectives, we can help you achieve them. For example, we combed through unexecutable resources in the FY25 request and found resources to fully fund the Army’s number one unfunded priority for counter-UAS capabilities. Why such an important requirement was unfunded in the first place, however, raises more fundamental questions about the Army and Department’s own budget process. We also provided additional flexibility in funding to address UAS and counter-UAS challenges. And we invested in solid rocket motor production in excess of the previous Administration’s official requests to help advance much-needed replenishment of air-defense interceptors and long-range fires. If the Army shares our concern about a paucity of air defense and counter-UAS capabilities, I hope you can explain why there is so little funding for proven systems like CIWS. “This spring, Secretary Hegseth identified modernizing and sustaining the organic industrial base as an urgent priority. When we hear that the Army is considering mothballing purpose-built munitions production facilities already at your disposal, it raises questions about your intent to meet this directive. “Army Depots in states like Kentucky, Arkansas, and Alabama have already built trust with local communities and assembled skilled workforces. And they continue to attract interest in new public-private partnerships. That would be a win-win for modernization. So I fail to see how cutting this essential, existing capacity will help the Army reach the production levels needed to meet growing demands. “I regret that the Army is being tasked with doing more with less. But it’s increasingly likely that looming challenges will test us in multiple theaters simultaneously. That we don’t have the magazine depth for today’s fights, much less the capabilities we need for tomorrow’s. “Certainly, we can’t expect to keep pace with a pacing threat in the Indo-Pacific, or adversary alignment across the globe, if our base defense budget can’t even keep pace with inflation. “This subcommittee hopes to be an active partner in the Army’s modernization efforts. But we can’t expect success on a shoestring budget. Mr. Secretary, General George – I’ll look forward to hearing your views on these topics. And we’ll turn to you momentarily for opening comments.”",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 Japan are looking to the United States to meet this coordinated aggression with a coordinated response. Retreating from this mantle of leadership will not strengthen or advance American interests.”",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-year appropriations risks conflating different objectives. Chairman Wicker and his House counterpart have pointed out already that even an important, one-time investment in military modernization is not a substitute for steady growth in the annual budget topline. In fact, it may well end up functioning as a shell-game to avoid making the most significant annual investments that we spent years urging the Biden Administration to make. “I struggle to understand why the Administration would cut procurement funding in the base FY26 budget by $14.4B and move funding for programs that have strong bipartisan support to a simple-majority reconciliation bill. The FY26 annual request seems to do just this for Virginia class submarines, Arleigh Burke class destroyers, and B-21 bombers. Like with critical munitions, we should send the Services and industry a sustained demand signal by incorporating them into annual appropriations. “If we’re really serious about making the sustained, long-term investments in our military, then let’s do more than a one-time injection of funding. If the Administration wants to request a trillion-dollar defense budget for FY26 and make a full-year investment in urgent priorities and new programs, they ought to do it. “In the meantime, let’s not overstate the FY26 request. The Administration’s requested base defense budget is lower than fifteen of the last twenty annual requests…including President Biden’s request for FY25. In fact, FY26 extends your predecessors’ streak to five straight base budget requests that would fail to keep pace with inflation – let alone with the pacing threat of China. But say we do take reconciliation into account. Even then, this is hardly the largest funding request for the Department of Defense. “In constant dollars, the FY26 Department of Defense budget request still falls short of the annual funding requests from FY08, FY09, FY10, and FY11. As a share of GDP, even including reconciliation, the FY26 request is still just around 3%. That’s not just half the level of the Reagan buildup that secured peace through strength… it’s even less than the 4.5% of GDP requested for defense under President Carter. “Why should we expect our allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense if we’re investing barely half that share? The failure to spend more on defense is compounded by another dynamic. Every year, a greater share of the defense budget goes to cover costs other than modernizing and procuring new weapons and equipment for our fighting forces. “Without additional resources, rising Personnel and Operations & Maintenance costs risk crowding out new capabilities. How we allocate taxpayer dollars is an expression of our political will. We can’t expect our adversaries to take American hard power seriously if we don’t put our money where our mouth is. But as I mentioned, we’re also interested in your articulation of the strategy that informs – or is informed by – the Administration’s budget. How does that strategy account for adversary alignment? How does it address not only the threat of conflict in the Indo-Pacific, but the reality of conflict and military threats to our interests in Europe and the Middle East? “Most of us on this panel believe that Russia’s war in Ukraine, its alignment with the aims of other U.S. adversaries, and its eventual outcome are profoundly important to American interests and offer more than just a glimpse into the future of warfare. “I’d like to hear your views on this conflict. Who is the aggressor? What are the stakes for America and the West? What is the return on investment of our assistance to Ukraine? I don’t see funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in your budget request. Is it the Administration’s view that terminating security assistance to Ukraine will make lasting peace more or less likely? “What lessons is the U.S. military learning from the conflict? How will the Department or industry continue to learn if we cut off our partnership with the world’s leading battlefield innovators? Why would Asian partners trust us if we abandon partners in Europe? What lessons are China, Iran, and North Korea learning? And how much more will they benefit if Russia prevails? “I’d like to hear your views on the impact of war in Europe on other theaters. The Asian and Pacific allies you just met with recently are under no delusions about how unchecked Russian aggression influences the calculus of Xi Jinping. They understand that strategic alignment among adversaries is global. “America must recognize, in turn, that the risk of simultaneous conflict on multiple fronts is real and growing. Your Undersecretary for Policy acknowledged this reality in his confirmation hearing this spring. But the capabilities America needs to prevail in such a conflict do not seem to be reflected in the request we’ve received from OMB. “So, there’s a lot we need to cover today. We’ll invite you to make opening comments in just a moment. But first, I’ll recognize Ranking Member Coons.”",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 often, access can be limited due to regulatory red tape that scientists agree is not necessary,” said Senator Luján. “This bipartisan bill will help simplify that process while maintaining rigorous safety and effectiveness standards. By increasing competition, this legislation will allow more patients and families to access the treatments they need.” “As the FDA has made clear, there is no clinically meaningful difference between biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars,” said John Murphy, President and CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines. “The Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act will expand competition and generate savings for patients and taxpayers, while preserving FDA’s ability to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines for America’s patients. The Biosimilars Council and AAM thank Senators Lee and Luján for their work on behalf of American patients and we look forward to working with Congress to eliminate this outdated and unnecessary barrier to lower-priced biosimilar medicines.” Background: “Biosimilars” – generic alternatives to name-brand medications – have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of biologic drugs through increased competition. Choosing biosimilars over their name-brand counterparts could save consumers an estimated $42.9 billion by 2027. Americans deserve to hold this decision-making power, but red tape around biosimilars keeps them from being widely used. The FDA’s complex approval system has confused physicians, patients, and states about biosimilars’ safety and efficacy. Biosimilars must undergo extensive testing to prove they provide no meaningful difference from their name-brand version. Bringing a new biosimilar to market costs as much as $300 million and can take as long as 9 years. Even after this approval, patients may not be able to access biosimilars because Congress created a separate designation: interchangeability. To be classified as truly “interchangeable” with the name-brand version, a biosimilar must undergo further testing called “switching studies.” This type of research has proven unnecessary for biosimilars, as it repeatedly shows no meaningful difference or relevant new data. The Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act would remove these extra steps so that a biosimilar will immediately be classified as interchangeable upon its initial approval by the FDA. Foregoing unnecessary switching studies would no longer disqualify biosimilars as alternatives to their name-brand counterparts. This legislation will streamline the regulatory pathway for biosimilar approval by aligning the law with the current scientific reality, giving Americans the option to save billions and increasing competition in the pharmaceutical market. The Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act would: Amend the federal code to state that all biosimilars, upon approval, shall be deemed interchangeable. The bill still uses the term “interchangeable” because states have crafted their own laws around interchangeability. Retaining that word would provide for minimal disruption to current biosimilar distribution. Strike the current requirement in code that has been used to justify switching studies. Create a cooldown period for certain biologics that were already granted exclusive interchangeable status. Instruct HHS and FDA to issue or retract relevant guidance. You can read it HERE. ###",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 tornadoes impacted 85 counties in Kentucky. Click here to download the delegation’s joint letter to President Trump.",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 that these effects are often compounded for the guard and reserve. “And the harder we have to scrape for funding to meet unfunded requirements of the Department of Defense, the harder it will be to support the growing needs of the Guard and Reserve. “Despite playing an increasingly significant operational role, guard and reserve units still struggle to access top-of-the-line kit. Despite so often taking the lead in engagement with allied and partner forces, they face persistent hurdles in maintaining adequate infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. The current strategic landscape and operational realities give us no reason to suspect that the demand for highly-trained, well-equipped citizen servicemembers will diminish anytime soon. “Last year, it was guardsmen – including Kentuckians – defending Tower 22 from Iran-backed attack, and sustaining casualties in the process. “Adding new missions without adequate resourcing can strain Guard units’ training calendars. “I’ll be interested in the witnesses’ candid observations on these headwinds impacting readiness. And I’ll look forward to discussing them in more detail during the question and answer session.” ###",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 prohibits discrimination based on health status and guarantees coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Member-based associations made up of small employers, self-employed individuals, as well as service providers in the industry, support Dr. Paul’s Association Health Plans Act, including but not limited to the following: American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Credit Union Consortium, Inc. Decent Health Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) Medical Practice Consortium (MPC) National Association of REALTORS (NAR) National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) TailorWell Holdings, Inc. Virginia Association of REALTORS",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 behalf of all Kentuckians, I’m grateful for our police officers and their steadfast dedication to keeping us safe. I also appreciate Chairman Grassley’s collaboration on this vital legislation.” “On behalf of Chief Proffitt’s family and members of the Law Enforcement community, we appreciate Senator McConnell’s introduction of this important piece of legislation. This bill will include Line of Duty Death (LODD) benefits for retired members of Law Enforcements that have been murdered because of their prior Law Enforcement actions. Passage of the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 will give some comfort to Chief Proffitt’s family while providing security to Law Enforcement families,” said Berl Perdue, Jr., President of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police. “The Tompkinsville Police Department is grateful to Senator McConnell for his work to support and honor our law enforcement families. Thirteen years later, we still mourn the loss of Chief Herbert “Sprocket” Proffitt, a devoted father and leader in Tompkinsville who dedicated his life to keeping our community safe. We are proud to see his legacy honored today with this important legislation,” said Kerry L. Denton, Chief of Police, City of Tompkinsville. The legislation is endorsed by the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Narcotic Officers Association, the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association, and the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police. The measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Dan Goldman (D-NY). ###",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 fighting one. As a share of GDP, defense spending hit 37% at the height of World War II, 13.8% during Korea, and 9.1% during Vietnam. The Reagan buildup hit 6%. All told, the Cold War drove an annual average of 7.5%. That level of spending didn’t just keep the peace; it ushered in an unprecedented period of prosperity for the United States and the free world. It was worth it. “Today, we’re spending less than half of what we did during the Reagan build-up – 3% -- and we’re getting less for it. Every year, a smaller and smaller percentage goes to buy actual military capabilities. “In and out of government, talented people are still thinking about what tomorrow’s battlefield will look like, and what it will require of America’s military and of our allies. And there are conversations worth having about harnessing these talents more effectively. About keeping American and Western technologies at the cutting edge. About making sure that future capabilities don’t die on the vine (or in the Valley of Death). “The bureaucracies and processes that slow the development, acquisition, and integration of new weapons systems are in desperate need of reform. But advanced, autonomous systems have not supplanted the traditional ways of war. Presence, personnel, logistics, and mass still matter. And neglect for the fundamental realities of hard power has left us playing from behind in some important ways. “Today, we must do multiple things at once. First, our approach to innovation across industry must be: yes, and we should continue to encourage new entrants into the defense ecosystem. But we shouldn’t be blind to their challenges of fielding novel combat-capable systems at scale. “Of course, many technologies don’t pan out. Many startups fail. They are worth the investment and the risk. Legacy defense manufacturers are also still critical, and it’s naïve to pretend otherwise. But that doesn’t mean glossing over the need for the primes to pick up the pace. “We need talented engineers, patriotic developers, and highly-skilled employees on the job across the defense enterprise. It’s yes, and. If we pretend otherwise, the only ones who stand to gain are America’s adversaries. “A lot of ink has been spilled about the technologies and concepts transforming modern war…about unmanned and autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, disinformation, and the gray zone. But the experience of modern war in eastern Europe and the Middle East reminds us that the depth of our magazines remains as decisive as any single cutting-edge capability. Quantity has a quality all its own. “One of the greatest strategic challenges we’re facing today is the prospect of high-end conflict or simultaneous conflicts in different theatres that would strain the depth of our arsenal and the resilience of our supply lines. Victory would depend on delivering at scale and in time. Our magazines aren’t deep enough to fight such a war. And if we don’t make overdue investments in expanding our production capacity, we may not have the time to manufacture it. “So, when we talk about innovation, let’s talk about innovating our mass and our speed. Let’s talk about our supply chains. The only capabilities that can make a difference on the battlefield are the ones that can get there at the speed and scale of relevance. This, of course, is not hypothetical. Just look at Ukraine. Necessity is the mother of invention, and our friends have developed what arguably the world’s foremost drone innovation sector. But even more remarkable is the sustained speed with which Ukrainian producers are honing and refining unmanned systems in real time. As Russian countermeasures emerge and render previous capabilities obsolete, they’re producing new iterations to stay on the cutting edge. “American manufacturers – whether new startups or legacy primes – should ask themselves if they could keep up with such a pace. On the shortcomings of our defense industrial base, there’s plenty of blame to go around. Congress has a clear constitutional role in which we are all too often delinquent. Regular order appropriations are what give industry and the department the certainty they need to plan for the future. And we haven’t been holding up that end of the bargain. But the department has more authorities than it sometimes cares to acknowledge – middle-tier acquisition pathways, Other Transaction Authority, and the Defense Production Act, to name a few. And when these tools aren’t used the way they were designed, it’s unreasonable to expect improved outcomes on acquisitions and procurement of actual military capabilities. “Our industry partners, for their part, are right that inconsistent demand signals make their work harder. Services for too long have short-changed purchases of critical munitions. “I don’t know of an example where the Senate defense appropriations subcommittee has rejected a request for multi-year procurement authority for munitions. On the other hand, the services have – for reasons of their own – downplayed the munitions requirements of combatant commanders. “To be fair, under perennial budgetary constraints from above, it’s not surprising that the services have made tough decisions to protect their core modernization and acquisition programs. “Since Russia’s 2022 escalation of its war against Ukraine, the global demand for essential capabilities like long-range munitions and missile defense interceptors has only gone up – even if upward trends in annual defense budgets have lagged. And producers of these capabilities do bear responsibility of their own for not having planned sooner to meet the inevitable demand. “But let’s be absolutely clear: nothing undermines the prospects of innovation and reform like anemic topline spending. Nothing signals more unmistakably that America is unserious than asking allies to double their investments in hard power while we propose to cut our own. “If the administration recognizes – as it says it does – the grave stakes of major-power competition, OMB’s budget proposal for the coming year fails to show it. And no amount of budgetary sleight of hand will be able to prove otherwise. That said, this administration can still avoid the self-inflicted crises of credibility that dogged its predecessor. Our adversaries and allies alike are still watching closely for real signs of political will and measurable shifts in the balance of hard power. “American politicians have criticized partners who used special funds to mask shortcomings in annual defense spending. Well, we should be careful not to mistake our budget reconciliation for long-term commitment, either. “I support the use of reconciliation to make a significant, one-time investment in defense. But pretending that this procedure – or, for that matter, a year spent under a continuing resolution – can make up for failures on predictable, full-year appropriations is as dangerous as it is profoundly unserious. Reconciliation spending may fund short-term operations or investments, but without sustained annual growth, it risks creating massive cliffs in sustainment, personnel, and procurement costs. “We’re all familiar with the headwinds of rising mandatory costs and inflation, the real drivers of our budget deficit. This is also true at the Defense Department, where such costs eat up a larger and larger share of the defense budget, crowding out procurement, readiness, and modernization costs. Making urgent, nimble, innovative discretionary investments won’t get any easier if we cut the topline in real terms or force the defense enterprise to innovate for today’s challenges with yesterday’s dollars. But you know as well as I do that the consequences of missing opportunities for innovation here at home aren’t limited to here at home. Coming up short on America’s topline commitment to the national defense sends an unmistakable signal to the allies and partners who, for decades, have bet big on American technologies and American leadership. “We should not be surprised to see our friends rethinking their integration with American-made platforms… or, for that matter, American-led security architecture. Least of all, I must say, when we pick fights with them over trading balances. This is particularly true in Europe, where we seem to be punishing NATO allies even though they’ve finally made exactly the kind of defense investments President Trump demanded in 2018. “In response to Putin’s aggression, European allies are becoming the stronger, more capable partners the President had urged them to become. NATO allies are sharing more of the burden of collective security. And in the near term, that’s meant a gusher of foreign investment in American-made capabilities. By the tens of billions of dollars, allies have flocked to buy American – an endorsement of American leadership. “Even as our allies develop more high-end technologies of their own, close partnership is as essential as ever. I was proud to support the expansion of the trans-Atlantic alliance to include Sweden and Finland – not as hungry customers for American technologies but as highly-capable industrial economies that recognize the value of interoperability and coproduction. “There’s little question that our adversaries are working hard to split American and its European allies. If we’re making their job easier, we’re doing something wrong. As history begs us to recall, we don’t get to pick and choose which conflicts will threaten our interests and for how long they will last. And we will rely on friends to help us deter and contain aggression in the coming years, from the Indo-Pacific to Eastern Europe. Going it alone will only increase costs for taxpayers and risks to our warfighters. We should be working more closely with allies worldwide to protect our economies and supply chains from the PRC. If we push these friends away, we shouldn’t expect them to keep buying American. “Our allies’ desire for interoperability is a tremendous asset. Take the CH-47 Chinook helicopter – an aging airframe in need of a major update. More than a decade ago, the Canadian government, which has long been delinquent on defense spending, footed the development costs for a new variant, saving U.S. taxpayer dollars and putting an important, updated platform on the apron for the U.S. Army. “But let’s be clear: if we let the single most important metric of America’s will to fight and win wane further, we should not expect many allies and partners to make major investments of their own like this…certainly not like the hundred-plus billion in orders under contract right now with U.S. defense producers from our friends in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. “Our friends understand, as our own leaders once did, that the threats to our shared interests are not contained neatly within continents. Just as Asian allies feel threatened by Russia’s war in Ukraine, Baltic and Nordic allies are guarding against China’s meddling in northern waters. As Russia and China deepen their strategic cooperation, France and the United Kingdom are projecting power into the Indo-Pacific. “We should welcome, not discourage, our allies’ contributions to global security. “If America chooses to deny unmistakable ties – between the threats we face and between the West’s interests – we will live in a lonely state of denial. The time to signal our enduring commitment is right now. “I ought to close on an uplifting note. We have no shortage of bright minds thinking about how to deter and defeat threats to America and to the systems we lead that underpin our peace and prosperity. And for decades now, one of the best has been behind the wheel here at CSIS. I’d like to add my name to the well-deserved chorus of praise for Dr. John Hamre and his leadership – both in and out of government. When the time comes to hand off the reins of this proud institution, he’ll be able to do so with great pride and with confidence that while the challenges we face are urgent and grave, we have the talent and capacity to meet them – much of it right here in this room. “Thank you all.”",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 access to effective recovery housing across the Commonwealth. ###",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 the future of this species and the billions of dollars in economic impact they generate nationwide. The bipartisan legislation will help reverse the depletion of this iconic tree and address the threat its extinction poses to the American economy. The White Oak Resilience Act has been included in the Fix Our Forests Act. The Committee is expected to markup the bill later this month. ###",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