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/audiostatements?ContentRecord_id=66EE6C5C-9B87-4D25-B755-B53C4B03A22A,12.22.17 WKYX,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.17 WKYX December 22 , 2017 Related Files 12.22.17 WKYX - Greg Dunker.mp3 (10.3 MBs) Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/12-22-17-wkyx",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=C3DC98AE-6EAB-48B7-9290-0D7695E57C51,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week of December 18, 2017",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week ofDecember18,2017 Thank you to the many Kentuckians calling Senator McConnell's office to share your comments. By writing a letter, emailing throughthe Senator'swebsite, or callingthe office, you can always voice your thoughts and concerns about the federal government and his work in the United States Senate. Also be sure to keep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnellsFacebookpage and following on Instagram at@McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnells Press Office by following on Twitter at@McConnellPress. For abehind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow@SenateMajLdron Twitter and@SenateMajLdron Instagram. Season's Greetings May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Click on the image below to view a special Christmas greeting fromU.S. Senate Majority Leader MitchMcConnell Congress Delivers Much-Needed Tax Relief; The President Signs Tax Reform into Law On Wednesday, Senator McConnell joined Congressional Republicans at the White House for an event with President Donald Trump to talk about the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that will provide much-needed tax relief for American workers, families, and small businesses. Click the image below to view Senator McConnells remarks during the White House event on the South Lawn. Prior to the event, Senator McConnell presented President Trump with a personalized Louisville Slugger bat commemorating the home run on historic tax reform. GOING TO BAT FOR THE MIDDLE-CLASS Delivering on Promises to Kentucky This week, Senator McConnell penned a column for Kentucky media regarding the passage of tax reform. He wrote about partnering with President Trump and the House of Representatives to deliver much-needed relief to Kentucky families. He wrote: ""The bill we passed will also unleash the potential of the American economy by making it easier for small businesses to create new jobs. According to one study, our plan could result in the creation of more than 4,400 new jobs in Kentucky, delivering relief to families who are still enduring the effects of the Great Recession. Our bill will also encourage businesses to stop shipping investments and jobs overseas, keeping them right here at home. ""In the new year, Kentuckians of all income levels will begin to enjoy the benefits of this legislation. Kentucky farmers are vital to our states economy, and I made sure that our farm families could be proud of this bill. The 'Tax Cuts and Jobs Act' will also help to preserve tax incentives that communities use for local infrastructure and increase opportunity for low-income communities, like those in eastern Kentucky. It will also deliver relief for important economic sectors in Kentucky like the automotive industry and our many entrepreneurial craft distillers and brewers...I was proud to pass this legislation to take more money out of Washingtons pocket and to put more money back into the pockets of Kentucky families."" Click HERE to read the Senator's full op-ed published by Kentucky Today. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8B1BD898-BD13-4EA3-AFC6-18E4511A2AFC,McConnell Helps Secure Multi-Million Dollar Federal Grant to Expand Conservation Efforts in Kentucky,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded a $4.99 million competitive federal grant to The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky (TNC). TNC will coordinate with its partners in Tennessee and Virginia to support the conservation of private lands and important fish and wildlife habitats in Eastern Kentucky. Senator McConnell contacted the NRCS in support of TNCs application. I applaud The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky for being awarded this funding to conserve 25,000 acres of high priority forests in Kentucky and other states, said Senator McConnell. Kentucky is home to an abundance of natural beauty with a thriving community of hunters, sportsmen and outdoorsmen who can benefit from this project. I am proud TNC will use these resources to continue its important work for our land and wildlife. The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky is excited to expand our conservation efforts and bring new investments in sustainable forestry to Eastern Kentucky and neighboring states, said Will Bowling, the Conservancys Central Appalachian Project Director, who is based in Clay County, Kentucky. We are grateful to the NRCS for the funding and to Senator McConnell for supporting this project. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-special-festivus-edition-waste-report/,Dr. Rand Paul Releases Special ‘Festivus’ Edition of ‘The Waste Report’,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released a special “Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2017” edition of The Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. In its third year, Dr. Paul’s Festivus Waste Report again shines a spotlight on wasteful spending and misplaced priorities that put taxpayers on the hook for the federal government’s bad management. Dr. Paul’s series has, over three years, documented approximately $6 billion in wasteful spending. This year’s edition also includes excerpts from “Worldwide Waste: How the Government is Using and Losing Your Money Abroad,” a 2017 Waste Report series that documented more than $3 billion of wasteful, taxpayer-funded endeavors overseas. Highlights from the Festivus Waste Report include the IRS failing to recover over $76 million in “unallowable expenses” to government contractors, and the Department of Transportation spending $1.5 million on a park bathroom in Queens, NY. You can find Dr. Paul’s “Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2017” edition of The Waste Report, which totals up over $560 million in waste, HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-releases-special-%E2%80%98festivus%E2%80%99-edition-%E2%80%98-waste-report%E2%80%99,Dr. Rand Paul Releases Special ‘Festivus’ Edition of ‘The Waste Report’,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released a special Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2017 edition of The Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. In its third year, Dr. Pauls Festivus Waste Report again shines a spotlight on wasteful spending and misplaced priorities that put taxpayers on the hook for the federal governments bad management. Dr. Pauls series has, over three years, documented approximately $6 billion in wasteful spending. This years edition also includes excerpts from Worldwide Waste: How the Government is Using and Losing Your Money Abroad, a 2017 Waste Report series that documented more than $3 billion of wasteful, taxpayer-funded endeavors overseas. Highlights from the Festivus Waste Report include the IRS failing to recover over $76 million in unallowable expenses to government contractors, and the Department of Transportation spending $1.5 million on a park bathroom in Queens, NY. You can find Dr. Pauls Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2017 edition of The Waste Report, which totals up over $560 million in waste, HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7649C07E-79FF-46EF-9951-93B66B6EB26C,"Congressman Rogers Votes for 2018 Temporary Federal Funding, Disaster Supplemental Bills",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC --U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) applauds House approval of the fiscal year 2018 (FY18) Continuing Resolution (CR), to give Congress ample time to finalize the FY18 federal appropriations bills and ensure government operations continue through January 19, 2018. The temporary funding legislation includes important provisions for critical national defense programs and extends vital funding for programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Community Health Centers and the Veterans Choice Program. The House also passed a separate measure to provide emergency disaster aid for hurricane and wildfire relief efforts. ""While CRs are never our preferred course of action, this bill is a necessary measure to continue vital government programs and services preventing uncertainty and harm from a shutdown,"" said Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. ""I am also pleased that this CR extends $550 million to fund Community Health Centers through March, which will ensure these essential facilities can continue providing care to underserved, rural communities while we finalize full-year appropriations and work to fully reauthorize these important programs."" Both bills now head to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The current CR expires on December 22, 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=43EEBE62-0089-4C2B-90BC-7D1851DDBE98,Delivering on Promises to Kentucky,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Over the past eight years, I received countless letters, emails, and phone calls from Kentucky families frustrated by the Obama economy. The honest, hardworking folks cant get ahead, the cheaters dont get caught, and the rich just keep getting richer, wrote one Kentuckian. The Obama administration another Kentuckian wrote, has not solved our countrys #1 problem: economic growth and employment creation. On November 8, 2016, Americans chose to go in a different direction by electing President Trump and sending a Republican majority back to Congress. Together, we responded by passing an historic overhaul of our tax code to make your taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. This bill will help put the sluggish economic growth and stagnant paychecks behind us and finally help more Kentucky families get ahead. I was proud to partner with President Trump and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch to deliver much-needed relief to Kentucky families. In addition to lowering tax rates, the bill will nearly double the standard deduction, significantly expand the child tax credit, and protect key provisions like the adoption tax credit. According to the Senate Finance Committee, a typical family of four earning the median family income will see their taxes cut by roughly $2,000 next year. A single parent with one child earning $41,000 could see a tax cut of more than $1,300. For hardworking families, that money can make a real difference. The bill we passed will also unleash the potential of the American economy by making it easier for small businesses to create new jobs. According to one study, our plan could result in the creation of more than 4,400 new jobs in Kentucky, delivering relief to families who are still enduring the effects of the Great Recession. Our bill will also encourage businesses to stop shipping investments and jobs overseas, keeping them right here at home. A Kentucky small business owner recently came to Washington urging Congress to enact this historic tax reform. In addition to having new resources that he will be able to reinvest in his business, this Kentuckian supports tax reform because every hour I dont have to waste dealing with [tax compliance] is an hour at home with my daughters. The president of a construction equipment dealership in Louisville shared with me that, as a result of our legislation, well hire more employees and plan investments in our company that we werent considering prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Hearing these stories makes me even more proud that I was able to help deliver for Kentucky. This bill will also help the people of Kentucky by repealing a core pillar of Obamacare: the individual mandate tax. The failed health laws requirement that every American purchase health insurance even when plans are not affordable or desirable has saddled many Kentuckians with a burden too heavy to bear. For these families, the repeal of this Obamacare tax means relief. In the new year, Kentuckians of all income levels will begin to enjoy the benefits of this legislation. Kentucky farmers are vital to our states economy, and I made sure that our farm families could be proud of this bill. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will also help to preserve tax incentives that communities use for local infrastructure and increase opportunity for low-income communities, like those in eastern Kentucky. It will also deliver relief for important economic sectors in Kentucky like the automotive industry and our many entrepreneurial craft distillers and brewers. While I was also proud our legislation preserved many higher education tax incentives, I was incredibly disappointed that Senate Democrats, led by Senator Bernie Sanders, stripped a provision to protect students at Berea College, which offers a tuition-free education to students with limited economic resources. I worked to include a measure to protect schools like Berea, but Democrats in the Senate chose to strike this provision moments before final passage of the bill. I will continue to work with Congressman Andy Barr, Berea College, and my Senate colleagues to fix this. It is worth noting that as a direct result of tax reform, several major job creators have already announced increases in take-home pay for thousands of their employees. I was proud to pass this legislation to take more money out of Washingtons pocket and to put more money back into the pockets of Kentucky families. ### Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican, is Kentuckys senior Senator and the United States Senate Majority Leader.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0A7F7837-39EA-46D4-AA3A-0C0184017AB1,McConnell Committed to Protecting Scholarships for Berea College Students,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The following are prepared remarks by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) regarding an effort by Senate Democrats that will penalize colleges that provide students with tuition-free education: Throughout this process of tax reform, Senate Republicans explained time and again that we are fighting for the middle class. Our opponents lobbed one attack after another claiming we were selling hardworking families short. But they were wrong. The tax bill we passed was written to help middle-class families from the very beginning. Our goal was to make their taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. Under our legislation, the typical family of four making the median family income can expect nearly $2,000 in tax relief next year. And just yesterday, we saw that tax reform has already inspired job creators to increase take-home pay for thousands of their employees. Yet not a single Democrat joined us to pass this tax relief for American families. Whats worse, just before we voted, Senate Democrats raised a point of order that proved who is really going after low-income families. When given the chance, Senate Democrats, led by the junior Senator from Vermont, raised a procedural challenge to strike out a provision that protects colleges that provide students with a tuition-free education. Let me say that again Senate Democrats purposefully penalized schools that give scholarships to low-income students. And they chose to do it after the same provision had already passed the Senate before we went to conference. They didnt have to raise this challenge they chose to do so. And in the process they knowingly hurt schools that provide tuition-free education to students who cant otherwise afford to go to college. One of these schools is Berea College, in my home state of Kentucky. Berea is dedicated to educating students from the Appalachian region who have limited economic resources. Their students average household income is less than $30,000 per year, and these families simply dont have the means to pay for their childrens education. At Berea, every single student receives a scholarship, which covers the cost of their tuition. On top of that, these students work at the school and in their communities to help cover additional living expenses beyond the cost of attending school. In fact, a vast majority of Berea students are able to graduate debt-free because of this model. Located in one of the most economically challenged areas of my state, Berea College offers a quality education to students with the greatest financial need, and it has done so since 1855 when it was founded by abolitionists. Each year, Berea uses the returns on its endowment almost solely for scholarships, which sets it apart from nearly every other college and university in the nation. For this reason, I worked with the Finance Committee to include a provision to protect schools like Berea from taxes on endowments that apply to private schools who choose to sit on these large funds rather than using them aggressively to reduce the cost of attending school. But Senate Democrats identified this exemption as a bridge too far. Instead of allowing the provision to stand, thereby protecting students at schools like Berea, they decided to pick partisan politics and attack the measure simply because they could. And in the process, they ensured that Berea would bear the brunt of their blatant political calculation. Because Democrats stripped this part of the bill, Berea estimates it could pay a tax penalty of nearly $1 million every year. Bereas president has already explained to us the effect of this tax: the school will be forced to offer scholarships to fewer students. The junior Senator from Vermont and his allies have chosen to make it harder for low-income students to earn a college degree. This is especially hypocritical coming from the man who claims to support free college for all. Im at a loss for words. I dont understand how they can claim to fight for students in one moment, and then make it harder for students to afford college the next. They chose to attack the tax bill by any means necessary even though they knew the outcome and in the process launched a direct attack on the ability of schools like Berea to provide tuition-free education to its students in need. This action by Senate Democrats is deeply disappointing and will produce real harm. I hope my friends on the other side of the aisle realize that the American people will see their partisan tactics for what they really are an attack on low-income students who want to pursue opportunity and find success. A number of my colleagues in Congress have said they are interested in fixing this problem, including my colleague from Kentucky, Congressman Andy Barr. I am committed to working with, with other Members of Congress, and with schools like Berea to help right this wrong.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sens-paul-wyden-lee-and-leahy-release-joint-statement-fisa-reform/,"Sens. Paul, Wyden, Lee, and Leahy Release Joint Statement on FISA Reform",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2017 Contact: Sergio Gor (Paul), 202-224-4343 Keith Chu (Wyden), 202-224-3789 Conn Carroll (Lee), 202-224-5444 David Carle (Leahy), 202-224-3693 Sens. Paul, Wyden, Lee, and Leahy Release Joint Statement on FISA Reform WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) released the following statement opposing any long-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without the serious and public debate the American people deserve and should expect from their elected representatives: “Congress should not vote on any long-term reauthorization of Section 702 until both the House and Senate have fully debated meaningful reforms in 2018.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sens-paul-wyden-lee-and-leahy-release-joint-statement-fisa-reform,"Sens. Paul, Wyden, Lee, and Leahy Release Joint Statement on FISA Reform",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2017 Contact: Sergio Gor (Paul), 202-224-4343 KeithChu(Wyden),202-224-3789 ConnCarroll(Lee),202-224-5444 David Carle (Leahy), 202-224-3693 Sens. Paul, Wyden, Lee, and Leahy Release Joint Statement on FISA Reform WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) released the following statement opposing any long-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without the serious and public debate the American people deserve and should expect from their elected representatives: Congress should not vote on any long-term reauthorization of Section 702 until both the House and Senate have fully debated meaningful reforms in 2018. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=867C955B-D17B-457D-8967-D1EB7D24E946,Congress Passes Once-in-a-Generation Tax Reform,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the passage of an historic tax code overhaul: Last night, the United States Senate accomplished something remarkable. After years of work, dozens of hearings, and an open process, we passed an historic overhaul of our nations tax code. It will deliver real relief to families and small businesses across the nation. We passed tax reform to spur the American economy; To encourage job creation and grow economic opportunity; To bring jobs and investment home; And to put more money into the pockets of the hardworking men and women we represent. We voted to repeal Obamacares individual mandate tax, so that low- and middle-income families are not forced to purchase something they either dont want or cant afford. And we voted to responsibly develop more of Alaskas oil and gas potential, strengthening our economy and our national security in the process. I would like to commend my colleagues in the Senate for their work to pass these historic reforms and bring our tax code into the twenty-first century. I would like to extend special thanks to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, a skilled legislator whose expertise was essential to shepherding this legislation through a challenging process while faced with complete obstruction. Thanks also to Chairman Mike Enzi for his assistance, and to Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Dan Sullivan, who worked tirelessly to bring the people of Alaska a victory on energy exploration for which they have been waiting for almost forty years. I am also grateful to the other Senate conferees Senators Cornyn, Thune, Portman, Scott, and Toomey who worked day and night to get this legislation across the finish line. And of course, in addition to Senator Hatch, his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee deserve our gratitude as well: Senators Burr, Cassidy, Crapo, Grassley, Heller, Isakson, and Roberts. This could not have happened without them. Of course, a great deal of credit goes to President Trump, Vice-President Pence, and their dedicated White House team. Their efforts were absolutely essential to this process, and we are proud to have worked together to deliver on a key part of the presidents agenda. And it goes without saying that tax reform would have been impossible without Speaker Ryan, Chairman Brady, and the members of the House who share our commitment to make taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. I am proud to call them my colleagues. When the final version of this historic law passes the House later today, it will await the presidents signature. Then, families and small businesses like so many in my home state of Kentucky can begin to enjoy the benefits. Our constituents called out for relief from the Obama economy. Congress delivered. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D1DCDDC8-ECEE-43FE-A2DC-6EF2BBDB90E3,Senator McConnell Going to Bat for the Middle-Class with President Trump,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Leader McConnell Joins President Trump at White House to mark Tax Reform Victory for America McConnell presents President Trump with Louisville Slugger bat commemorating home run on historic tax reform WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined Congressional Republicans today at the White House for an event with President Donald Trump to talk about the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that will provide much-needed tax relief for American workers, families, and small businesses. Prior to the event, Senator McConnell presented President Trump with a personalized Louisville Slugger bat. Video HERE of Senator McConnells remarks during the White House event on the South Lawn. PhotosHERE of Senator McConnell presenting the Louisville Slugger to the President in the Oval Office. The following tweet is from the President earlier today:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-passage-tax-reform/,Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Passage of Tax Reform,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Early Wednesday morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement after voting for the Conference Report on tax reform: “Today, the Senate delivered on its promise of allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, a commitment I worked to hold it to by fighting to make sure the bill became a bigger and better tax cut and included repeal of the Obamacare individual mandate. “I applaud this reform, which will lead to economic growth, greater business investment, and new opportunities for the American people. As we approach a new year, I look forward to continuing the fight for limited government, lower taxes, and individual liberty for all.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-applauds-passage-tax-reform,Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Passage of Tax Reform,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. Early Wednesday morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement after voting for the Conference Report on tax reform: Today, the Senate delivered on its promise of allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, a commitment I worked to hold it to by fighting to make sure the bill became a bigger and better tax cut and included repeal of the Obamacare individual mandate. I applaud this reform, which will lead to economic growth, greater business investment, and new opportunities for the American people. As we approach a new year, I look forward to continuing the fight for limited government, lower taxes, and individual liberty for all. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-votes-to-send-historic-tax-cuts-to-president-s-desk,Barr Votes to Send Historic Tax Cuts to Presidents Desk,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor of the conference report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the most significant rewrite of the Internal Revenue Code in more than 31 years. The legislation will lower tax rates on individuals and businesses and simplify the code so that most households can file their taxes on a simple postcard. When the President signs the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act it will be a great early Christmas present for the American people especially hardworking middle income families who havent had a pay raise in a decade and who need relief the most, said Congressman Barr. Beginning in 2018, workers will be able to keep more of their paycheck, business investment and job creation will boom, and salaries will rise. Importantly, we were able to secure important wins in the final version of the bill based on feedback from Kentuckians to protect Berea College, spur investment in the horse industry, make our signature bourbon industry more competitive, encourage more international investment in the Commonwealth, and help Kentuckians pay off their student loans and medical expenses. After nearly a decade of sluggish economic growth, lost opportunities, and low confidence, America is making a comeback. This historic legislation will make American businesses more globally competitive and help put our nation back on the right track. According to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will result in a 1.7 percent increase in GDP, 1.5 percent higher wages, and an additional 339,000 full-time jobs. The Tax Foundation also predicts that the increased economic activity, increased salaries, and increased jobs will result in an additional $600 billion in tax revenues, substantially reducing the cost of the plan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F0FF77BA-AE7B-4C01-958B-FE12652AAD86,Rogers Applauds Passage of Historic Tax Reform,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC --Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a historic tax reform bill for the first time in more thanthree decades. U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) applauded passage of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R. 1, which simplifies the tax code and provides tax cuts across the board. ""As a result of this bill, Kentucky families will begin taking home an average of nearly $2,000 more in their paychecks and small business owners will have more resources than ever before to help them expand and create more jobs here at home,"" said Rogers, who voted for the legislation. ""The House and Senate have worked closely together on this reform bill to ensure the plan eliminates costly loopholes and focuses on helping our middle class and low-income families. I'm proud to help advance sweeping tax reform and join President Trump in keeping this important promise to the people of southern and eastern Kentucky."" To learn more about theTax Cuts and Jobs Act, visitfairandsimple.gop.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=AAC2E8D1-E8AF-407D-93B5-0375FA26BE8B,McConnell On Tax Reform: Congress Is Standing At The Doorstep Of An Historic Opportunity,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Congress is standing at the doorstep of an historic opportunity. Today, the House will vote on the conference report of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the most significant overhaul of our nations tax code in more than thirty years. This major tax reform legislation will provide much-needed relief to middle-class families and small businesses, and will set America on a trajectory towards more opportunity and greater prosperity. After the House votes this afternoon, the Senate will begin debate, and will proceed to a vote on passage later this evening. The final text of this bill is the product of extensive open debate. It is the result of dozens of hearings on tax reform in recent years and an open amendment process. Then, the House and Senate joined together in a conference committee that carefully reconciled the two chambers bills. Now the time has come to vote. When Senators vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, they will be voting for a bill that substantially cuts taxes for middle-class families. By reducing rates, it will let working Americans keep more of their paycheck and send less of their hard-earned money to Washington. In addition to lower rates, middle-class families will benefit from a standard deduction that is almost double its present level, and a doubling of the Child Tax Credit. They will benefit from the ability to deduct more of their medical expenses, increasing their tax savings during difficult times. And despite what opponents of the bill have claimed, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act achieves all this while preserving the charitable deduction and the adoption tax credit. It protects the exemption for university tuition benefits. A mortgage interest deduction remains, as does a deduction for state and local taxes. The result is a comprehensive tax reform bill that does what we set out to do: take money out of Washingtons pocket and put it back into the pockets of the middle-class Americans who earned it. Consider a typical family of four that earns the median family income. A vote for the conference report is a vote to cut their tax bill by more than $2,000 next year. After a disappointing decade of stagnant wages and shrinking opportunity under the Obama Administration, middle-class families are counting on Congress to keep our promise and give them that much-needed relief. In addition to directly cutting taxes for American families, this landmark bill will also set America on a trajectory towards higher wages and better job opportunities by making our country a better place to do business. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contains a number of provisions that will make it easier to run and grow a small business, to create jobs, and to invest in the United States. The bill creates new tax relief for Main Street businesses. It makes it easier for American companies to bring their earnings back home instead of parking that money elsewhere. It eliminates incentives to ship jobs and manufacturing overseas, and replaces them with new incentives to invest and expand operations here at home. And to make America more competitive in the global economy, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cuts our corporate tax rate from 35 percent -- one of the highest rates in the developed world to 21 percent. That is good news for workers. As more than 100 economists agreed in a recent open letter, the question isnt whether American workers are hurt by our country's corporate tax rate it's how badly. Another expert put it this way in a recent op-ed: It is the consensus view of professional economists that lowering corporate income taxes would increase the wages of workers. Perhaps thats why reforming the corporate tax rate used to be a bipartisan goal. During the previous administration, prominent Democrats said they supported bringing our rate in line with our competitors overseas. There may be a new occupant of the White House, but the need for reform has not changed. I hope our colleagues on both sides of the aisle will support this pro-growth, pro-worker policy. Its no wonder that job creators are enthusiastic about what they will be able to accomplish when tax reform becomes law. I recently received a letter from the chief operating officer of a construction equipment dealer in Louisville. This is a direct quote: Well hire more employees and plan investments in our company that we werent considering prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This bill will also help Americans by repealing a punitive tax at the very heart of Obamacare. For low- and middle-income families who are suffering under the individual mandate tax including many in my home state of Kentucky repeal means relief. If the health insurance plans available under Obamacare are not affordable or not desirable, the blame lies with that failing law, not with Americans who are already struggling to make ends meet. It is unfair and illogical to penalize them further because Obamacare is failing to meet their needs. By erasing this individual mandate tax, we will give Americans both tax relief and healthcare flexibility two things that Obamacare has failed to provide. There is one more element of this bill that deserves special attention. It provides the nation, and particularly the people of Alaska, with a tremendous opportunity to develop the states bountiful natural resources. In 1980, Congress set aside a particular non-wilderness area within Alaskas National Wildlife Refuge for potential development of its oil and gas resources. This bill is our chance to finally make good on that promise, enhancing our countrys energy security and creating good-paying jobs in the process. Unlocking the resources of this area will provide a boon to Alaskas economy. But more broadly, it will also advance Americas standing as an energy superpower, helping to cut Americans energy costs and strengthening our national security. For too long, special interests have stood in the way of responsible development. The people of Alaska have shown time and again that resource development can go hand in hand with environmental protection, and surface development will be limited to just one ten-thousandth of the total land in the Reserve. It is long past time to finish what Congress started almost 40 years ago and begin reaping the benefits of responsible development. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver historic tax relief to American families. It will help put our country on a trajectory towards more innovation and better-paying jobs. It will repeal an unfair tax at the center of Obamacare and will help America achieve greater energy security. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. I commend the hard work of Chairman Hatch, Chairman Enzi, and Chairman Murkowski to bring it within reach. And I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting to approve the conference report and complete this victory for the American people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=3A359700-3677-47D4-8C01-0D84AE5868AF,Congress Working To Pass Funding Agreement That Fulfills Responsibilities To Our Nation,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding government funding and the need to provide the necessary resources to the Department of Defense and other priorities: Before the end of this week, Congress must agree on a continuing resolution to sustain the critical operations of the federal government. In this process, it is vital that we ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to protect Americans and face the challenges of a dangerous world. During the Obama Administration, the readiness of our all-volunteer armed forces was hurt by irresponsible cuts to the Department of Defense which have damaged combat readiness. The military suffered a disproportionate burden under the Budget Control Act. The arbitrary demand that increases in defense funding must be equally matched by increases in non-defense spending should not stand in the way of delivering the resources needed to restore near term and long term readiness. Earlier this year, we rightly set aside that misguided standard and took steps to fully meet the needs of our warfighters. This week, we need to do so again. If Congress fails to reach agreement on government funding, our military will suffer intolerable budget cuts that would jeopardize the tools and the training that our servicemembers need to fulfill their missions. But our responsibilities run deeper than keeping the government open and ensuring our warfighters have the resources they need. Before the year ends, we must also deliver results in several additional areas of vital importance to the American people. We must renew funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program so the parents of the nine million children who are covered by CHIP can know their childrens health care is secure. We must reauthorize a critical foreign intelligence program that the men and women of American law enforcement need to keep our nation safe from those who wish to harm us. We must renew the popular Veterans Choice program, which aims to cut wait times for VA health care and give our veterans flexibility to access care outside the system. We must approve supplemental disaster funding for states and territories that are still struggling to rebuild after a year of devastating natural disasters. We must pass a routine waiver to avoid unacceptable cuts in Medicare funding and other vital programs. Since the enactment of the Pay-Go law in 2010, Congress has never allowed its sequester to take effect especially for tax bills and we must act again this week to ensure that vulnerable Americans are not harmed. And, of particular importance faced with the continued failure of Obamacare to keep health insurance affordable for working Americans, we must take this opportunity to pass bipartisan solutions that will help stabilize collapsing health insurance markets and lower premiums for individuals and families across the country. Across all these critical areas, Congress must do what is right for the American people and take action this week. I urge each member of this body to come together and help pass a funding agreement that fulfills our responsibilities to the nation. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make it happen. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8A34E8ED-745A-47EF-ACBB-693330A02E27,Senate To Pass Historic Tax Reform This Week,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The Senate has a number of important tasks to complete this week for the American people. On Friday, we took another significant step toward delivering major tax relief for middle-class families and small businesses when the House and Senate conference committee released the final text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We are closer than ever to seizing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to update our tax code, make America stronger, and help middle-class families keep more of their hard-earned money. The last decade has not been easy for middle-class Americans. Families like the many I represent in Kentucky were hit hard by the Great Recession. Many continue to feel its effects. But too often, instead of helping people get back on their feet, Washington has been an obstacle. Our broken and outdated tax code lets the government take too much money out of Americans paychecks. And the Obama Administrations runaway regulations slowed job growth and destroyed opportunities just when people needed them most. But help is on the way. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a major step towards a stronger, more prosperous America with higher wages, higher take-home pay, more jobs, and better opportunities for middle-class Americans. First and foremost, the bill provides immediate relief by letting Americans keep more of their paychecks. A typical family of four earning the median family income will get a tax cut of more than $2,000. We are taking that money out of Washingtons pocket and putting it right back into theirs. And by modernizing the way we tax businesses, we will make America a better place to invest, start small businesses, and create middle-class jobs. Our tax bill will make it less attractive for American businesses to send jobs and investment overseas, and more attractive to expand and invest here at home. Thats why American manufacturers say theyre excited about this bill and plan to hire new workers, while Chinese officials say it has them worried. The conference report will also repeal the punitive individual mandate tax at the heart of Obamacare. Under Obamacare, Americans must either buy the kind of health insurance that Washington thinks they should buy, or pay a heavy tax penalty. By repealing this unfair penalty, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will give low- and middle-class families even more tax relief along with the flexibility to make their own health-care decisions. The bill will also strengthen Americas future by enhancing our energy independence. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides for further responsible development of Alaskas oil and gas potential. Unleashing more of our own natural resources will create good jobs and improve Americas energy security. The historic accomplishments in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will bring immediate relief to struggling families and set America on a trajectory towards greater strength and prosperity. I commend the conferees especially Chairman Hatch, Chairman Murkowski, and Chairman Enzi for their work to help finalize the conference report. I look forward to voting for its passage, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting to give American families the relief they need and richly deserve. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-asdfa/,Dr. Rand Paul Introduces FATCA Repeal Amendment to Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing his efforts to protect the privacy of Americans’ financial records, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced an amendment to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to repeal the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). As we work to reduce the massive tax burden Washington has placed on the American people, we should also stand up for their Fourth Amendment right to privacy by rejecting the bulk collection of the financial information of Americans who live overseas,” said Dr. Paul. Enacted by Congress in 2010, FATCA mandates that foreign financial institutions regularly report private financial information on American citizens living abroad under threat of a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. The law has impeded international financial transactions and investment by leading many foreign banks to simply deny services to Americans rather than navigate the burdens and costs of compliance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=70D62939-0B02-4823-83E7-517844BE2B1E,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week of December 11, 2017",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week ofDecember11,2017 Thank you to the many Kentuckians calling Senator McConnell's office to share your comments. By writing a letter, emailing throughthe Senator'swebsite, or callingthe office, you can always voice your thoughts and concerns about the federal government and his work in the United States Senate. Also be sure to keep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnellsFacebookpage and following on Instagram at@McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnells Press Office by following on Twitter at@McConnellPress. For abehind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow@SenateMajLdron Twitter and@SenateMajLdron Instagram. Senate Continues Historic Judicial Confirmation Process This week, the Senate confirmed more of President Donald Trumps impressive judicial nominees to the federal bench. Senator McConnell has prioritized the confirmation of these judges, and the Senate has confirmed an historic 12 Circuit Court Judges this year. That's the most in a Presidents 1st year in office since the creation of circuit courts in 1891. During a speech on the Senate floor, Senator McConnell spoke about judicial nominees, saying,""For eight years, we had a president who selected judicial nominees based on a so-called empathy standard. It was an ideological litmus test designed to find nominees who would favor certain groups or individuals over others. While that may sound like a good standard to the party in the case for whom the judge has empathy, it doesnt sound so great if youre the other person. On the other hand, President Trump has nominated talented individuals who will ensure that the federal judiciary maintains its particular role in our constitutional system."" Click the image below to view the Senator's floor speech Congress Moving Closer To Delivering Much-Needed Tax Relief Throughout the week, Congress continued its progresstoward delivering tax reform for families and small businesses across the nation. Senator McConnell talks about tax reform with Capitol Hill reporters during his weekly press conference in the Senate corridors. Senator McConnell said, ""For too long, the hardworking men and women of Kentucky and our nation have endured a struggling economy and a broken tax code. Rates are too high. The structure is too complicated to understand, and its too easy for the wealthy and the well-connected to exploit. Incentives are so nonsensical that some actually encourage corporations to ship American jobs overseas. Its time for a change. ""Passing pro-family and pro-growth tax reform is the single most important action we can take right now to grow our economy and help the middle class get ahead. Families deserve a tax system that works for them. And along with President Trump and his team, this Republican-led Congress is working to deliver. This is our chance to set a new course to undo the damage that our outdated tax code has inflicted on the economy over the last decade."" President Signs into Law Critical Measure to Support Troops and National Security On Tuesday, President Trump signed into lawthe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will strengthen our militarys readiness and give our troops a much-deserved pay raise. Senator McConnell recently penned a column in the TheRichmond Registerabout NDAA and the impact it will have on Kentuckys military installations and Kentucky's Air and Army National Guard, writing, ""The NDAA will equip our servicemembers with the weapons and training they need to sufficiently defeat these threats. It will also authorize a well-deserved pay raise for our servicemembers...to help the men and women stationed at Kentuckys military installations (Blue Grass Army Depot, Fort Campbell, Fort Knox) and the citizen soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard receive the equipment, training, and resources they need to address the threats facing our nation."" Click the image below to view a video about NDAA Senator McConnell Supports Proposal to Restore Internet Freedom On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commissions(FCC) voted on a proposal to repeala harmful, Obama-era Internet regulation. Senator McConnell released the following statement: One of the great advances of our time has been the development and expansion of the Internet and wireless technologies. The Internet connects people across the globe in an unprecedented way. It brings together producers and consumers, students and educators, and even members of the Senate with constituents. Its difficult to exaggerate the impact the Internet has on our society and our economy each and every day. Even a few decades ago, the technologies many of us take for granted today would have been totally unfathomable. But the success of the Internet wasnt an accident. Todays Internet and all the incredible innovations that utilize it arent the product of unnecessary and burdensome government regulations that hindered growth. Instead, they were the direct result of a bipartisan desire to create an environment of advancement one that utilized a light-regulatory touch. Innovators were free to create and develop what they wanted to, without having to think about complying with overbearing Washington regulation. And as the Internet grows, so does the United States. Our nation has led the world in Internet technology, and citizens throughout the country and the world have enjoyed the benefits. However, the previous administration seemed bent on subjecting the Internet to a whole host of new regulations rules designed in the age of the rotary phone and rooted in the railroad era of the 1800s. Through unprecedented government overreach, the Obama Administration argued that this change would fix a problem. But there wasnt a problem that needed fixing. Therefore at the behest of President Obama in 2015, the partisan majority at the Federal Communications Commission rejected our decades-old approach and reclassified broadband Internet access. This overreach subjected it to new burdens and regulations and threatened the marketplace freedom and innovation that brought us the Internet we have come to know today. It shouldnt shock any of my colleagues to hear that an increase in burdensome regulations created uncertainty for businesses of all sizes and negatively impacted investment. In the last two years, broadband investment has suffered a serious decline, even though many Americans, including large numbers in rural states like Kentucky, lack access to crucial Internet services at home. Earlier this year, President Trump changed direction from the previous administration. He elevated Ajit Pai to serve as the Chairman of the FCC, and tomorrow, the Commission will vote to repeal the misguided 2015 rule. Chairman Pai submitted a proposal to restore freedom to the Internet and to classify broadband Internet access once again as an information service, just like it was until 2015. When the FCC votes tomorrow, they will be voting to return the Internet to a consumer-driven marketplace free of innovation-stifling regulations. Opponents of Chairman Pais plan have expressed their concerns about unfair or disruptive business practices that may hurt consumers access to the Internet. However, his proposal will actually restore the Federal Trade Commissions authority to protect consumers and police companies that engage in unfair practices. Chairman Pais proposal will also require Internet Service Providers to clearly disclose how they treat their customers data so that consumers can choose the services that are right for them. I look forward to their vote in support of the open Internet and to Congress actions in the future to keep the Internet open for consumers in a lasting way. Before I continue onto another matter, I feel that it is necessary to take a moment to discuss the vitriolic and divisive debate over this topic. As my colleagues know, I am a strong defender of political speech, and I have fought for decades to protect the rights of all Americans to question government policies. However, the discussion on this issue took on a new tone. While the First Amendment protects political speech, it is no excuse for bad conduct. Instead of debating the effects of a proposal, some of the Far Left engaged in personal attacks, even going as low as to promulgate attacks citing Chairman Pais children. This type of behavior does nothing to elevate our nations discourse or forward a particular policy. I hope that we can all agree that this type of harassment deserves universal condemnation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E25F0373-EA2B-43CF-80ED-2935816572F5,McConnell on Tax Reform Conference Report: Critical for the Future of Our Country,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report that was released today: First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the members of the Senate and the House who worked tirelessly to reconcile the differences between the two tax bills. What they have accomplished is critical for the future of our country and that is no understatement. After 31 years, its about time. For too long, America has struggled to compete in an increasingly competitive world. For years, jobs and businesses have left our country. Meanwhile, middle-class families struggled to get by. For years, our nation suffered under an economy that failed them with lack luster economic growth and under a system that rewarded the few at the expense of the many. Thats changing with this legislation. China is already worried about this tax bill, because they know it will make America more competitive and spur greater investment here in America. This legislation will bring real relief to the middle class by taking money out of Washingtons pocket and putting it into theirs. It means a tax cut of more than $2,000 for a family of four earning $73,000. Thats real money in communities across Kentucky from Paducah to Pikeville. And only those who dont know the struggles of hardworking American families could conclude otherwise. Next week, the Senate will get this bill done so we can ensure the American people get the gift of real, meaningful tax relief this holiday season. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-on-tax-reform-conference-report-critical-for-the-future-of-our-country,McConnell on Tax Reform Conference Report: Critical for the Future of Our Country,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.17 McConnell on Tax Reform Conference Report: Critical for the Future of Our Country This legislation will bring real relief to the middle class by taking money out of Washingtons pocket and putting it into theirs. It means a tax cut of more than $2,000 for a family of four earning $73,000. Thats real money in communities across Kentucky - from Owensboro to Covington. And only those who dont know the struggles of hardworking American families could conclude otherwise. WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report that was released today: First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the members of the Senate and the House who worked tirelessly to reconcile the differences between the two tax bills. What they have accomplished is critical for the future of our country and that is no understatement.After 31 years, its about time. For too long, America has struggled to compete in an increasingly competitive world. For years, jobs and businesses have left our country.Meanwhile, middle-class families struggled to get by. For years, our nation suffered under an economy that failed them with lack luster economic growth and under a system that rewarded the few at the expense of the many. Thats changing with this legislation. China is already worried about this tax bill, because they know it will make America more competitive and spur greater investment here in America.This legislation will bring real relief to the middle class by taking money out of Washingtons pocket and putting it into theirs.It means a tax cut of more than $2,000 for a family of four earning $73,000.Thats real money in communities across Kentucky from Paducah to Pikeville.And only those who dont know the struggles of hardworking American families could conclude otherwise. Next week, the Senate will get this bill done so we can ensure the American people get the gift of real, meaningful tax relief this holiday season. Related Issues: Economy, Taxes Print Email Tweet Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=1A8536C8-5EAC-476B-8BD1-ED9283643342,Congress Moving Closer To Delivering Much-Needed Tax Relief,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following are prepared remarks by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) regarding progress on tax reform between the House and the Senate: “Yesterday, Congress moved closer to delivering much-needed tax relief to American families and small businesses as members of the House and the Senate held a public meeting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference committee. The conferees discussed the best way to provide tax reform to families and small businesses across our country. Throughout this process, we have focused on the middle class and on those left behind by the Obama economy – like many of the families in Kentucky who I represent. “By overhauling our broken and outdated tax code, we are working to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow paychecks, create more jobs, and help our economy reach its full potential. The plan before the conference committee will also end many of the perverse incentives for corporations to ship American jobs overseas. We want to bring those jobs and investments home and keep them here. “Once the committee completes its work to reconcile the differences between each chamber’s bill, every member of Congress will have the opportunity to cast a vote to provide meaningful tax relief to middle-class Americans. That should be something we all can support. And when Congress does, this bill will go to the president’s desk to become law. “I would like to thank every member who has contributed to making tax reform a reality, following years of hearings and proposals and a multitude of amendments as this legislation proceeded through regular order. This is a chance to work together to get the economy going again and lift up the families that the Obama Administration’s policies left behind. “I hope that we can take this opportunity to move beyond partisanship to deliver real tax reform for the middle class. Many of the provisions of this bill are based on ideas that our friends across the aisle used to say they supported. I hope our friends will support them again. I would like to once again commend the conferees for their work, and I look forward to voting on the committee report soon.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=411CC7CE-00E0-43A5-8783-5004A0A3C3DE,Funding Critical To Rebuilding Our Nations Military,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following are prepared remarks by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) regarding government funding and the need to provide the necessary resources to the Department of Defense: “Our nation faces myriad threats from around the globe, and it is the Senate’s responsibility to provide the service chiefs with the resources to train and equip our warfighters—and provide them with the resources they need to keep us safe. The diverse challenges posed by Iran, China, Russia, North Korea, ISIL, al-Qaeda, and its affiliates span the spectrum of war fighting, and our force must be trained and prepared to operate on sea, air, land and in cyberspace. “These challenges were only compounded by the Obama Administration’s focus on reducing the size of our conventional force, withdrawing our forward presence and placing an unrealistic reliance upon allies and special operations forces. In stark contrast to the previous administration, this Republican-led Congress and the Trump Administration have taken the initial steps to rebuild our military. “We are working to ensure that the needs of the force are met and our servicemembers have the tools and training necessary to fulfill their missions. In our ongoing discussions surrounding government funding, we must continue to prioritize our nation’s men and women in uniform. “It is illogical for this Senate to repeatedly vote to pass National Defense Authorization Acts at one level of authority and not meet that commitment with the necessary Appropriations Act. And this funding cannot be held hostage to the Obama-era demand that increases in defense funding be matched by equal increases in non-defense spending. Congress ignored that demand earlier this year, and we must do it again now. “The reason is simple. Under the Budget Control Act, the Department of Defense has received a disproportionate funding cut—and will again if Congress fails to come to an agreement. That type of blow would unacceptably diminish our military’s readiness and damage our national security. I hope that members can work together to provide the necessary funds to our military – and to all parts of our government – so that the men and women of our all-volunteer force can continue to keep our country safe.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BA9D513B-187D-4083-A850-45BBA4B19971,Senate Continues Historic Judicial Confirmation Process,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding President Trump’s nominee for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, James Ho: “Today, the Senate will continue another historic week confirming more of President Trump’s impressive judicial nominees to the federal bench. Steven Grasz – confirmed. Don Willett – confirmed. And soon, we will add James Ho to that list by confirming him to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. “He is an exceptionally well-qualified nominee whose career in both public service and the private sector have earned him respect from both sides of the aisle. The former Democratic Mayor of Dallas supported his nomination, calling him, ‘among the most brilliant appellate lawyers in the United States.’ “When we vote to confirm Mr. Ho, we will be adding another fair and impartial judge to the federal bench. And by doing so, the Senate will take another important step to ensure that the federal judiciary fulfills its proper role in our constitutional system. Each of them will be an asset to our nation’s courts. “Under Chairman Grassley’s leadership, the Senate Judiciary Committee has done outstanding work to move these judicial nominees to the floor. I am grateful for his efforts, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting to confirm Mr. Ho soon.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-first-full-scale-defense-department-audit/,Dr. Rand Paul Applauds First Full-Scale Defense Department Audit,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the Pentagon’s recent announcement of the first full-scale financial audit of the Department of Defense (DoD), with audits to be conducted annually going forward: “Our men and women on the frontlines deserve to know their funding is being used as intended and to the maximum possible effectiveness. Unfortunately, the department charged with carrying out our greatest constitutional responsibility has set the lowest possible standard for accountability. I applaud President Trump’s administration for changing this course, and I will keep working to ensure this is only the start of reform,” said Dr. Paul. As part of a series on the DoD in 2013, Reuters stated that it had “found that the Pentagon is largely incapable of keeping track of its vast stores of weapons, ammunition and other supplies; thus it continues to spend money on new supplies it doesn’t need and on storing others long out of date.” Since his arrival in the U.S. Senate, Dr. Paul has been a leading voice for increasing fiscal responsibility at the DoD, including working with former Senator Tom Coburn to introduce the Audit the Pentagon Act, which he has continued to support in the 114th and 115th Congresses. Dr. Paul has also called attention to waste and mismanagement of funds at the DoD through his Waste Report, which has covered stories including millions of dollars in equipment and parts failing to reach their destination or going unaccounted for and a $6 million renovation of a Fort Belvoir dining facility that closed less than a year later. You can read these Waste Reports below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-applauds-first-full-scale-defense-department-audit,Dr. Rand Paul Applauds First Full-Scale Defense Department Audit,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2017  Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343     WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the Pentagon’s recent announcement of the first full-scale financial audit of the Department of Defense (DoD), with audits to be conducted annually going forward:  “Our men and women on the frontlines deserve to know their funding is being used as intended and to the maximum possible effectiveness. Unfortunately, the department charged with carrying out our greatest constitutional responsibility has set the lowest possible standard for accountability. I applaud President Trump’s administration for changing this course, and I will keep working to ensure this is only the start of reform,” said Dr. Paul. As part of a series on the DoD in 2013, Reuters stated that it had “found that the Pentagon is largely incapable of keeping track of its vast stores of weapons, ammunition and other supplies; thus it continues to spend money on new supplies it doesn’t need and on storing others long out of date.”   Since his arrival in the U.S. Senate, Dr. Paul has been a leading voice for increasing fiscal responsibility at the DoD, including working with former Senator Tom Coburn to introduce the Audit the Pentagon Act, which he has continued to support in the 114th and 115th Congresses.  Dr. Paul has also called attention to waste and mismanagement of funds at the DoD through his Waste Report, which has covered stories including millions of dollars in equipment and parts failing to reach their destination or going unaccounted for and a $6 million renovation of a Fort Belvoir dining facility that closed less than a year later. You can read these Waste Reports HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1740,"ICYMI: Guthrie Op-Ed: Congress taking action to address opioid crisis, but more work remains",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), vice chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee and chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee’s Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, penned an op-ed in the Danville Advocate-Messenger about the work Congress has done to combat our nation’s opioid crisis. Guthrie’s two positions have put him in a unique role as both committees have worked to address this issue. “Last year, over 1,400 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses, including over 175 people in the Second District. These individuals were parents, children, siblings, other relatives and friends, and all were members of our community,” wrote Guthrie. “Our nation’s opioid crisis is widespread and has an impact on all of us. This must stop. Everywhere I go in the Second District, I hear from residents about how the opioid epidemic affects their community specifically. As your representative in Congress, I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues to address this issue.” You can read the full piece in the Advocate-Messenger here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2194DAE3-197D-4070-8E74-4C7846D0E401,UNITE President Joins Congressman Rogers on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Federal Support to Combat the Drug Abuse Epidemic,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) and Nancy Hale, President and CEO of Operation UNITE, stood together on Capitol Hill to advocate for stronger federal policies and funding to combat the drug abuse epidemic in the Appalachian region.  Rogers introduced Hale to testify before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management during a hearing entitled, The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region. Earl Gohl, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), also served as a witness during the hearing. ""I believe that the opioid epidemic is indelibly tied to the future economic development of Appalachia, and that ARC could be doing more to help organizations like UNITE tackle the challenges associated with substance abuse,"" said Rogers, co-founding co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. ""One thing is painfully clear: the continuation of our addiction crisis and a vibrant Appalachian economy cannot coexist. The need for more targeted action is urgent, as innocent children are left behind in the wake of deadly overdoses, and as more employers search for a drug-free workforce, both in Appalachia and across the country. I think this hearing is an important first step and I am grateful that you have made it a priority."" Hale testified about Operation UNITE's success utilizing a holistic approach, including investigations, treatment and education. The comprehensive organization is now a national model.  UNITE has provided Drug-Free Workplace training to more than two dozen companies to educate both employees and supervisors about addiction, the signs and symptoms of drug use, the effects and costs of substance abuse in the workplace, and how to identify available support services in the area.  ""According to information released in August from the Appalachian Regional Commission, overdose and opioid-related overdose mortality rates for ages 15 to 64 are 52.1 per 100,000 people in Appalachian Kentucky. That is the second highest in Appalachia and more than DOUBLE the amount for the non-Appalachian areas of the United States,"" said Hale. ""Unfortunately, our problem is not unique. Many communities are facing the same consequences from this epidemic. That is why UNITE’s efforts must continue: the enemy is evasive and persistent."" ""Support from the Appalachian Regional Commission – both financially and through collaborative partnerships – has enabled UNITE to create hope and change the culture, not only in our corner of southeastern Kentucky, not only across Appalachia, but on a national stage,"" Hale said in conclusion. To watch the hearing, visit halrogers.house.gov.  Hale testifies during a Congressional hearing  Nancy Hale and Congressman Rogers in his DC office",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0361D361-A977-482F-AAFF-F9B86B1D26E8,Defense Funding Must Be A Priority,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following are prepared remarks by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) regarding government funding and the need to provide the necessary resources to the Department of Defense: “Over the last eight years, our foreign policy was guided by a Commander in Chief who wished to draw down conventional military power from across the globe. Iran, China and Russia have sought to fill this vacuum and exploit the perception that America was withdrawing. “This Republican Congress has made a commitment to work with President Trump to rebuild our military and give our men and women in uniform the resources they need to face the challenges of a dangerous world. We know there is more work to do in restoring our military’s combat-readiness and meeting the full needs of the force. Earlier this year, we passed a funding measure that was an important departure from the Obama years. “The president has renewed our commitment to Afghanistan, and is trying to train and equip a force that can meet the daunting challenge posed by North Korea. To begin rebuilding our military, we ignored the Obama-era demand that any increase in defense funding must be equally matched to non-defense increases. We did that earlier this year, and we must do it once again. “As we continue to discuss a plan to fund the government, we must prioritize efforts to provide for our warfighters. The Defense Department suffered a disproportionate reduction under the Budget Control Act—one that has real consequences for readiness. “If we are not able to come to a funding agreement, our military – and many other critical functions of the federal government – will suffer intolerable budget cuts next year. I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will work with us in a serious manner to make sure that we are able to responsibly fund the government so that our military has the tools it needs to keep us safe.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4CF9BC9F-DB74-42E4-87C2-CD648B53E770,McConnell Supports FCC Proposal To Restore Internet Freedom,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following are prepared remarks by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) regarding the harmful, Obama-era internet regulation and the Federal Communications Commission’s proposal to repeal it: “One of the great advances of our time has been the development and expansion of the Internet and wireless technologies. The Internet connects people across the globe in an unprecedented way. It brings together producers and consumers, students and educators, and even members of the Senate with our constituents. It’s difficult to exaggerate the impact the Internet has on our society and our economy each and every day. Even a few decades ago, the technologies many of us take for granted today would have been totally unfathomable. “But the success of the Internet wasn’t an accident. Today’s Internet – and all the incredible innovations that utilize it – aren’t the product of unnecessary and burdensome government regulations that hindered growth. Instead, they were the direct result of a bipartisan desire to create an environment of advancement – one that utilized a light-regulatory touch. “Innovators were free to create and develop what they wanted to, without having to think about complying with overbearing Washington regulation. And as the Internet grows, so does the United States. Our nation has led the world in Internet technology, and citizens throughout the country and the world have enjoyed the benefits. “However, the previous administration seemed bent on subjecting the Internet to a whole host of new regulations – rules designed in the age of the rotary phone and rooted in the railroad era of the 1800s. Through unprecedented government overreach, the Obama Administration argued that this change would fix a problem. But there wasn’t a problem that needed fixing. Therefore at the behest of President Obama in 2015, the partisan majority at the Federal Communications Commission rejected our decades-old approach and reclassified broadband Internet access. “This overreach subjected it to new burdens and regulations and threatened the marketplace freedom and innovation that brought us the Internet we have come to know today. It shouldn’t shock any of my colleagues to hear that an increase in burdensome regulations created uncertainty for businesses of all sizes and negatively impacted investment. In the last two years, broadband investment has suffered a serious decline, even though many Americans, including large numbers in rural states like Kentucky, lack access to crucial Internet services at home. “Earlier this year, President Trump changed direction from the previous administration. He elevated Ajit Pai to serve as the Chairman of the FCC, and tomorrow, the Commission will vote to repeal the misguided 2015 rule. Chairman Pai submitted a proposal to restore freedom to the Internet and to classify broadband Internet access once again as an information service, just like it was until 2015. When the FCC votes tomorrow, they will be voting to return the Internet to a consumer-driven marketplace free of innovation-stifling regulations. “Opponents of Chairman Pai’s plan have expressed their concerns about unfair or disruptive business practices that may hurt consumers’ access to the Internet. However, his proposal will actually restore the Federal Trade Commission’s authority to protect consumers and police companies that engage in unfair practices. “Chairman Pai’s proposal will also require Internet Service Providers to clearly disclose how they treat their customers’ data so that consumers can choose the services that are right for them. I look forward to their vote in support of the open Internet and to Congress’ actions in the future to keep the Internet open for consumers in a lasting way. “Before I continue onto another matter, I feel that it is necessary to take a moment to discuss the vitriolic and divisive debate over this topic. As my colleagues know, I am a strong defender of political speech, and I have fought for decades to protect the rights of all Americans to question government policies. However, the discussion on this issue took on a new tone. While the First Amendment protects political speech, it is no excuse for bad conduct. “Instead of debating the effects of a proposal, some of the Far Left engaged in personal attacks, even going as low as to promulgate attacks citing Chairman Pai’s children. This type of behavior does nothing to elevate our nation’s discourse or forward a particular policy. I hope that we can all agree that this type of harassment deserves universal condemnation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7DFD4340-5F9D-462D-8ED5-D6433D5E5C5C,Tax Reform Progress Continues,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following are prepared remarks by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) regarding progress on tax reform between the House and the Senate: “Later today, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference committee will host an open meeting to discuss its progress in resolving the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The conferees have been working diligently to produce a report that both chambers can vote on soon. Once they complete their work, Congress will be able to fulfill our commitment to the American people and deliver real tax reform. “For too long, the hardworking men and women of Kentucky and our nation have endured a struggling economy and a broken tax code. Rates are too high. The structure is too complicated to understand, and it’s too easy for the wealthy and the well-connected to exploit. Incentives are so nonsensical that some actually encourage corporations to ship American jobs overseas. It’s time for a change. “Passing pro-family and pro-growth tax reform is the single most important action we can take right now to grow our economy and help the middle class get ahead. Families deserve a tax system that works for them. And along with President Trump and his team, this Republican-led Congress is working to deliver. This is our chance to set a new course – to undo the damage that our outdated tax code has inflicted on the economy over the last decade. “For the Americans who were left behind by the Obama economy, this is our opportunity to provide relief. We want to make your taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. We want to bring investment and jobs back home and keep them here. The bottom line is this: we want to take more money out of Washington’s pocket and put more money into the pockets of the middle class. I’m confident the conference committee will finalize a bill that does just that. “It will also repeal Obamacare’s individual mandate tax, delivering relief to low- and middle-income Americans who have struggled under an unpopular and unworkable law. In addition to this once-in-a-generation tax relief, our legislation will also provide for our nation’s energy future. By further developing Alaska’s oil and gas potential, this bill will help create jobs, support energy independence, and promote our national security. “The forthcoming conference report represents our chance to provide a real benefit to families and small businesses across the nation. I am grateful to the members of the conference committee for their hard work to resolve the differences between the two bills. I look forward to voting for the final product soon.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D83F0BEE-4A8F-4692-8A06-850F45641B7C,James Ho Will Excel on the Fifth Circuit,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding President Trump’s nominee for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, James Ho: “This week, the Senate is continuing to consider President Trump’s outstanding judicial nominees. Yesterday, we confirmed a talented individual to be a circuit court judge. And soon, we’ll confirm another. “Next, we will advance the nomination of James Ho to be a judge on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Ho is another well-qualified individual, and like all of President Trump’s judicial nominees, he is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and serving as an impartial arbiter on the bench. “Similar to Justice Willett, who I discussed yesterday, Mr. Ho has an inspirational story. Immigrating to the United States from Taiwan at the age of one, he learned English by watching Sesame Street. He went on to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School with high honors, and earned a clerkship with Judge Jerry E. Smith of the Fifth Circuit. “In 2001, Mr. Ho joined the Department of Justice as the Special Assistant to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and later worked in the Office of Legal Counsel. In addition to his service in the executive branch, he worked here in the Senate as Chief Counsel for the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution. “Afterward, he went across the street to clerk for Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. After his distinguished and successful legal career in Washington, Mr. Ho returned to Texas, joining a top law firm and specializing in appellate litigation. He then served as the Solicitor General of Texas, succeeding our colleague, Senator Cruz. It was while he was serving in that role that he won the Supreme Court Best Brief award from the National Association of Attorneys General. He went on to earn the award two more times. “After his time in state government, Mr. Ho returned to his private practice firm and currently serves as the co-chair of its appellate and constitutional law group. He has presented oral arguments in state and federal courts around the country, including the Supreme Court. It’s clear that Mr. Ho possesses impressive credentials with the experience necessary to excel on the Fifth Circuit. “He has also earned the praise of prominent Democrats who believe that he will make an excellent addition to the federal court. Ron Kirk, the Obama Administration’s U.S. Trade Representative and the former Mayor of Dallas, supported Mr. Ho’s nomination to the Judiciary Committee. He wrote, ‘Jim possesses the temperament, integrity, and intellect that anyone, Republican or Democrat, should insist on in a federal judge.’ “‘He’s wickedly smart,’ Mr. Kirk continued, ‘and is among the most brilliant appellate lawyers in the United States.’ “‘If there is one thing that my liberal and conservative colleagues agree on, it is that Jim just has it in his DNA to be a great judge.’ “A Commissioner on the United States Commission on Civil Rights appointed by President Obama also recommended Mr. Ho in a letter to the Judiciary Committee. She knows him from his volunteer work with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. She wrote that he, ‘has a strong reputation as an intelligent, reasonable, fair and principled attorney.’ “I would like to commend President Trump for another strong nomination. I would also like to express my gratitude to Chairman Grassley and the members of the Judiciary Committee for their work to process the president’s judicial nominees. I look forward to advancing Mr. Ho’s nomination soon.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-dr-rand-paul-stands-fourth-amendment-demands-surveillance-reform-0/,"ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Stands Up for the Fourth Amendment, Demands Surveillance Reform",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) at The George Washington University to call for protecting Americans’ civil liberties and restraining government overreach by reforming the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). You can watch Dr. Paul’s opening remarks at the event HERE. In October, Sens. Paul and Wyden introduced S. 1997, the USA Rights Act, which reforms Section 702 of FISA to end warrantless backdoor searches of Americans’ calls, emails, texts, and other communications that are routinely swept up under a program designed to spy on foreign targets. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/icymi-dr-rand-paul-stands-fourth-amendment-demands-surveillance-reform-0,"ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Stands Up for the Fourth Amendment, Demands Surveillance Reform",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) at The George Washington University to call for protecting Americans’ civil liberties and restraining government overreach by reforming the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). You can watch Dr. Paul’s opening remarks at the event HERE. In October, Sens. Paul and Wyden introduced S. 1997, the USA Rights Act, which reforms Section 702 of FISA to end warrantless backdoor searches of Americans' calls, emails, texts, and other communications that are routinely swept up under a program designed to spy on foreign targets.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6065DC09-CBDD-415F-A27A-1E9A8584C386,Justice Don Willett Will Be A Strong Addition To The Fifth Circuit,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding President Trump’s nominee for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett: “Yesterday, the Senate advanced the nomination of Mr. Leonard Steven Grasz to be a judge on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Grasz has sterling credentials and strong support from the Nebraska legal community. I proudly voted to advance his nomination, and the Senate will confirm him soon. “Next, we will vote to advance the nomination of another well-qualified individual, Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willettt to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Justice Willettt respects the rule of law and our foundational legal principles, and he will be a strong addition to the Fifth Circuit. “His story is an inspirational one. Adopted at a young age and raised by a widowed mother in a town of 32 people, he was the first person in his family to graduate high school. As our colleague Senator Cornyn said at the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing, Justice Willett’s life ‘[reflects] the best of Texas, and the best of America.’ From these humble beginnings, Justice Willettt has led a remarkable career. “After graduating from the Duke School of Law, he clerked for Judge Jerre Williams of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the panel he has now been nominated to join. He spent a short time in private practice before entering public service in then-Governor George W. Bush’s Administration as a legal and policy advisor. When President Bush entered the White House, Justice Willettt joined him as the Special Assistant to the President. In that role, he helped shape the domestic legal policy of the Bush Administration, especially in the president’s efforts to increase charitable activities in neighborhoods across the nation. “The next year, he became the Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Policy. There he oversaw both civil and criminal policy initiatives, including what became the PROTECT Act of 2003, which increased law enforcement’s ability to prevent and prosecute violent crimes against children. Afterward, Justice Willettt returned to Texas to serve as the Deputy Attorney General for Legal Counsel. As the top legal aide to then-Attorney General Greg Abbott, he advised the office on a wide variety of legal matters. “In 2005, he was appointed to serve as a justice on the Texas Supreme Court. Elected to a full term in 2006 and reelected in 2012, Justice Willettt has served with distinction on the Texas high court for over a decade. During that time, he has ruled fairly and impartiality. Four of his former colleagues on the Texas Supreme Court wrote a letter to the Judiciary Committee supporting Justice Willettt’s nomination. “They wrote that ‘[h]is demonstrated belief is that the courts should enforce both constitutional rights and constitutional limitations and uphold the rule of law, but not enforce a personal agenda.’ “‘On occasion,’ they continued, ‘we did not agree with each other or with him on the disposition of an appeal but we respected Don’s opinions and never doubted his devotion to principle.’ “In addition, retired Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson recommended Justice Willettt’s nomination, writing that he will be ‘a thoughtful, hardworking, diligent, and influential member of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.’ Justice Willettt has also been recognized for his excellence by the Texas Review of Law and Politics, which named him its Distinguished Jurist of the Year in 2014. “I would like to commend President Trump for nominating Justice Willettt to the Fifth Circuit. And under Chairman Grassley’s leadership, the Judiciary Committee has done an outstanding job processing this nomination and many others. By joining the Fifth Circuit, Justice Willettt will use his talents to continue to serve his state and his nation. I look forward to advancing his nomination, and I urge my colleagues to join me in doing so.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dancing-cars/,Dancing with the Cars,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dancing with the Cars Dr. Rand Paul Releases Latest ‘Waste Report’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,U.S. Senator Rand Paul released his latest Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. Following up on a 2016 Waste Report highlighting the U.S. State Department helping to fund documentary promotion internationally, this week’s Waste Report examines productions taxpayers are spending tens of thousands of dollars through the National Endowment for the Arts to help directly support.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-announces-opposition-budget-busting-cr/,Dr. Rand Paul Announces Opposition to Budget-Busting CR,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 ​​​​​​​ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) announced he will oppose an end-of-the-year Continuing Resolution (CR) that continues recklessly spending the American people’s money. “I cannot in good conscience vote to add more to the already massive $20 trillion debt,” said Dr. Paul. “I promised Kentucky to vote against reckless, deficit spending, and I will do just that. Tax cuts — people keeping more of their money — are never the problem. The problem is spending. We should obey our rules, stop the deficit spending, and shrink government.” You can watch Dr. Paul announce his opposition to the CR HERE. Dr. Paul’s stand for common-sense budgeting regarding the end-of-the-year CR is the latest in a series of efforts this year to stop Washington’s runaway spending, including working to offset emergency funds by reducing waste in existing programs and forcing the Senate to vote on a budget that would balance by 2024. In March, Dr. Paul, as chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC), held a hearing entitled, “The Effect of Borrowing on Federal Spending,” which included testimony from former Comptroller General of the United States David Walker. In September, Dr. Paul’s subcommittee held a hearing on end-of-the-year spending binges in federal agencies, and he introduced legislation to pay bonuses to federal employees that identify unneeded or surplus funds, a bill that would also ensure that 90% of the savings are automatically directed toward deficit reduction. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-hhs-nominee-convince-me-you-have-plan-safely-reimport-drugs-or-i-cannot-support/,"Dr. Rand Paul to HHS Nominee: Convince Me You Have a Plan to Safely Reimport Drugs, or I Cannot Support Your Nomination",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul to HHS Nominee: Convince Me You Have a Plan to Safely Reimport Drugs, or I Cannot Support Your Nomination WASHINGTON, D.C. – During today’s U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stated that he cannot support the nomination of Alex Azar to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services unless he can convince Dr. Paul that he is open to the idea of reimporting prescription drugs and can lay out a plan to do so safely. “If you’re open to it, and not just say it’s unsafe, will say, ‘This is how I would do it, and this is how I would reimport drugs and make it safe,’ that’s an honest reform. If you can’t do that, I can’t support you,” said Dr. Paul. “So I hope you will come back with an answer that says, ‘This is how I would make reimportation safe.'” Earlier in the exchange, Dr. Paul urged Azar to represent the American people over the interests of Big Pharma, saying, “Big Pharma manipulates the system to keep prices high. It is not capitalism, and it’s big government, and we’ve got to fix it.” He went on to add, “You need to convince those of us who are skeptical that you’ll be part of fixing it and won’t be beholden to Big Pharma.” In 2016, then-candidate Donald Trump called for eliminating “barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products” as part of his seven-point health care plan, also declaring, “Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers,” a statement Dr. Paul highlighted during his remarks. You can watch Dr. Paul’s exchange with HHS Secretary nominee Alex Azar below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dancing-cars,Dancing with the Cars,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dancing with the Cars Dr. Rand Paul Releases Latest ‘Waste Report’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released his latest Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. Following up on a 2016 Waste Report highlighting the U.S. State Department helping to fund documentary promotion internationally, this week’s Waste Report examines productions taxpayers are spending tens of thousands of dollars through the National Endowment for the Arts to help directly support. You can learn more in the latest Waste Report below:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-announces-opposition-budget-busting-cr,Dr. Rand Paul Announces Opposition to Budget-Busting CR,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:December 12, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 ​​​​​​​ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) announced he will oppose an end-of-the-year Continuing Resolution (CR) that continues recklessly spending the American people’s money. “I cannot in good conscience vote to add more to the already massive $20 trillion debt,” said Dr. Paul. “I promised Kentucky to vote against reckless, deficit spending, and I will do just that. Tax cuts — people keeping more of their money — are never the problem. The problem is spending. We should obey our rules, stop the deficit spending, and shrink government.” You can watch Dr. Paul announce his opposition to the CR HERE. Dr. Paul’s stand for common-sense budgeting regarding the end-of-the-year CR is the latest in a series of efforts this year to stop Washington’s runaway spending, including working to offset emergency funds by reducing waste in existing programs and forcing the Senate to vote on a budget that would balance by 2024. In March, Dr. Paul, as chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC), held a hearing entitled, “The Effect of Borrowing on Federal Spending,” which included testimony from former Comptroller General of the United States David Walker. In September, Dr. Paul’s subcommittee held a hearing on end-of-the-year spending binges in federal agencies, and he introduced legislation to pay bonuses to federal employees that identify unneeded or surplus funds, a bill that would also ensure that 90% of the savings are automatically directed toward deficit reduction. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=82444547-A29F-4669-ACF8-3811B699111E,Senate To Consider Three More Well-Credentialed Circuit Judges,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the three circuit court nominees the Senate is set to consider this week: “This week, the Senate will consider three more outstanding individuals nominated by President Trump to serve on our nation’s federal circuit courts. For eight years, we had a president who selected judicial nominees based on a so-called ‘empathy standard.’ It was an ideological litmus test designed to find nominees who would favor certain groups or individuals over others. While that may sound like a good standard to the party in the case for whom the judge has empathy, it doesn’t sound so great if you’re the other person. “On the other hand, President Trump has nominated talented individuals who will ensure that the federal judiciary maintains its particular role in our constitutional system. The judicial nominees before the Senate this week are each well-credentialed and have the integrity and temperament to serve our nation on the circuit courts. They are dedicated to upholding the rule of law and giving every litigant a fair shake. That’s how the American people expect judges to decide cases. And the Senate is working to confirm President Trump’s nominees who will do just that. “First, the Senate will consider the nomination of Leonard Steven Grasz to serve on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Then, it will consider the nomination of Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. And finally, later this week, the Senate will also consider the nomination of James Ho to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. “Each of these nominees will make strong additions to the federal bench, and I look forward to considering them in the coming days. I would like to once again commend Chairman Grassley for his leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee. His excellent work has allowed us to bring these nominees to the floor. “Later today, the Senate will advance the nomination of Mr. Grasz, a talented individual with experience in both private practice and public service. After graduating from law school at the University of Nebraska, Mr. Grasz began a distinguished career in the law. Working as the Chief Deputy Attorney General of Nebraska for nearly twelve years, he excelled representing the State of Nebraska in numerous appellate cases, including before the United States Supreme Court. “Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, along with five other top state officials, wrote a letter to the Judiciary Committee supporting Mr. Grasz’s nomination. Here’s what they had to say: “‘Steve has become a leading expert on state and federal constitutional law. His demeanor and temperament have earned the respect of Nebraskans across the political spectrum in our state.’ “Mr. Grasz has won the support of prominent Nebraskans from both sides of the aisle. Our former colleague, Senator Ben Nelson, came to know Mr. Grasz when Senator Nelson was the Governor of Nebraska. Senator Nelson wrote, ‘Steve won my respect by putting his considerable skills to work as an effective legal advocate for our state.’ “‘We sometimes found ourselves disagreeing on policy,’ he continued, ‘nevertheless, I quickly learned that Steve was the kind of consummate professional who is capable of putting whatever personal views he may have aside when appropriate in his capacity as a public servant.’ “‘He was an asset to our state, and Nebraskans benefitted from having such a capable and thoughtful professional in public service.’ “Furthermore, the Obama Administration’s U.S. Attorney for Nebraska worked with Mr. Grasz in the state, and she wrote in support of his nomination. ‘Steve has always enjoyed a reputation for honesty, impeccable integrity and dedication to the rule of law.’ “‘He possesses an even temperament well-suited for the bench,’ she continued, ‘and always acts with respect to all [who] interact with him.’ “In addition, a letter from the current and previous presidents of the Omaha Bar Association stated that the Omaha legal community supports Mr. Grasz’s nomination, ‘without hesitation.’ The letter goes on to say that he, ‘possesses the legal expertise, professionalism, character, and ethics that are demanded of a Judge on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.’ The local legal community – both government officials and private attorneys –overwhelmingly attest not just to Mr. Grasz’s impressive qualifications but to his commitment to fairness and the rule of law. “Through his decades of legal practice, Mr. Grasz has shown that he is the right choice to serve on the Eighth Circuit. I am proud to join with our colleagues from Nebraska in supporting Mr. Grasz’s nomination. I look forward to voting to advance his nomination later today, and to confirming all three of these circuit court nominees this week.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://massie.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/rep-thomas-massie-to-chair-revived-second-amendment-caucus-in-congress,Rep. Thomas Massie to Chair Revived Second Amendment Caucus in Congress,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Thomas Massie,M001184,massie.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) will be chair of a newly relaunched Congressional Second Amendment Caucus. (Earlier versions existed from 2004-08, and 2009-13.) According to a press release today from his office, Massie believes the results of this year's election ""present us with a new opportunity to advance pro-gun legislation and reverse the erosion of the Second Amendment that's occurred over the last few decades."" The release also quotes former Rep. Paul Broun (who ran an earlier version of the caucus from 2009-13) as saying that ""Preserving the right to keep and bear arms is essential to maintaining freedom and liberty in our country."" ""While many of us lawyers are working to secure pro-gun reforms in the courts, it's reassuring to know that the Second Amendment Caucus is doing the same in the legislature,"" Alan Gura, the lawyer who won both of the most promising cases this century for Second Amendment liberties, McDonald v. City of Chicago and District of Columbia v. Heller, said in that release. Massie's office offered as one example of the type of legislation the caucus and its members hopes to introduce and promote 2015's cheekily titled ""Hearing Protection Act"". That would, as Guns.com reported, treat silencers the same way as a long gun in terms of the legal hoops one had to jump through to buy one. Massie spokesperson Lorenz Isidro explains that under current law, silencers must be registered ""under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (ATF background check takes 4-9 months) and pay $200 for a tax stamp,"" a far more onerous process than for ""Title I"" weapons, most typical long guns and handguns. Silencers are largely treated the same as machine guns and sawed-off shotguns under current law, which that proposed bill would change. Founding members of the caucus are: Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Brian Babin (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Ken Buck (R-CO), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Justin Amash (R-MI), Jody Hice (R-GA), Dave Brat (R-VA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Scott Perry (R-PA), and James Comer (R-KY). Massie had been rumored last week to possibly be leaving Congress to join the Trump administration as head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, though as Reason's Ed Krayewski reported, those rumors were news to Massie himself.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=79944AF0-DE66-4CC6-B136-A1CCDB2EF50B,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eNewsletter - - Week of December 4, 2017",2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s eNewsletter - - Week of December 4, 2017 Thank you to the many Kentuckians calling Senator McConnell's office to share your comments. By writing a letter, emailing through the Senator's website, or calling the office, you can always voice your thoughts and concerns about the federal government and his work in the United States Senate. Also be sure to keep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnell’s Facebook page and following on Instagram at @McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnell’s Press Office by following on Twitter at @McConnellPress. For a behind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow @SenateMajLdr on Twitter and @SenateMajLdr on Instagram.      'SUCCESS | McConnell Delivers Big Win With Tax Bill’  The Paducah Sun editorial congratulates Senator McConnell upon leading the Senate passage of historic tax reform bill Last week under U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's leadership, the Senate passed a critical tax reform bill that works to get the economy moving again to support Kentucky families, job growth, and small businesses. Senator McConnell said, ""We seized the opportunity to spur economic growth, to help create jobs right here at home, and to take more money out of Washington’s pocket and put more money into the pockets of hardworking American families."" The Paducah Sun editorial in McCracken County, Ky. highlighted the Senator's efforts on tax reform: Congratulations are in order for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Early Saturday morning he delivered something even many Republicans said weeks earlier he could not -- 51 Senate votes in favor of comprehensive tax reform... It was a remarkable outcome, one that perhaps none other than McConnell could have engineered. McConnell has a history of this, for which he does not receive enough credit. There is still work to do. Differences in the House and Senate bills will have to be resolved in a conference committee. But in remarks to the Sun on Monday McConnell said final approval is likely. He says the two bills are ""really very similar"" in their most important provisions, notably lowering the corporate rate to 20 percent and reducing taxes for the middle class. He says despite disinformation circulated by opponents, the Senate package nets middle-class Americans average annual reductions of $2,200. Click HERE for the entire editorial. Senator McConnell Joins Kentucky Small Business Advocates to Highlight Importance of Tax Reform Last week, Senator McConnell joined Republican Senators, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon, and small business advocates from Kentucky and around the country for an event to talk about how tax reform will help American workers. Senator McConnell talks about the urgent need for tax reform During the event, Senator McConnell said, “We're on the cusp of a great victory for the country and particularly for small business. We are happy to have Linda McMahon here and I'm particularly pleased to have Alan Keck from Somerset, Kentucky, one of our great small business people.” Senator McConnell spoke about the Senate’s efforts to overhaul our complex tax code and shift our economy into high gear, saying, “What’s in this for the American people and for small businesses obviously is tax relief. An opportunity to hire more people, to build more in America, and to get the growth rate up.” Alan Keck, of Somerset, Kentucky, was one of the small business owners to speak at the event. He is the President of Somerset Recycling and the founder of Keck Sports Management, a professional baseball agency. Keck spoke about how tax reform will help his family and small business: Kentucky small business owner, Alan Keck, speaks during tax reform event “As a small business owner we’re expected to wear many, many hats. But I want to touch on something that might be a little bit more personal, the compliance that we have as small business owners that we have to face the regulatory burden. The tax simplification in this reform is what excites me because every hour I don’t have to waste dealing with that is an hour at home with my daughters, is an hour at church serving in my youth group, perhaps for many of you it’s an hour on a La-Z-Boy reading a book that you care about. But we spend billions of dollars…dealing with this compliance issue and its wasteful, it’s silly.” Senator McConnell welcomes Kentucky small business owners to his office in the U.S. Capitol 'Tax Reform: What’s in It for You' Senator McConnell pens column for The Wall Street Journal This week, Senator McConnell penned a column about how the Senate’s tax reform bill will help small businesses and families in America. It was published by The Wall Street Journal and newspapers across Kentucky. Senator McConnell wrote: Since Republicans in Congress began working on tax reform with the Trump administration, everyone has agreed that middle-class families must be at the heart of our plan. They will benefit from tax rates that are lower, simpler and fairer. Our bill doubles the child tax credit, preserves the adoption tax credit for families that open their homes to children in need, and roughly doubles the standard deduction. Under the plan we passed, a median-income family of four could see a tax cut of nearly $2,200—money it could use for anything from helping a child through college to saving for retirement. Our plan will also help small businesses grow. That’s why it has the support of prominent advocates including the National Federation of Independent Business. Lower taxes will help small businesses create jobs, invest more, and spur economic growth. Simplifying the tax code will reduce compliance costs and make it possible for job creators to reinvest more of their own money in their enterprises... Lowering taxes for families and small businesses is a central part of President Trump’s agenda, and we worked together toward this accomplishment for the American people...I am proud that the Senate rose to take advantage of this historic opportunity to give a break to middle-class families through tax reform. Now we will work with members of the House to send a final product to Mr. Trump for his signature. Once we do, you will be able to keep more of your own hard-earned money. You and your neighbors will be free to pursue more opportunities, and employers across the country will have fewer reasons to move your job overseas. Click the image below to read the Senator's column In the Media Over the past week, the Senator hosted a press conference in Louisville, Ky., was a guest on ABC's This Week and CBS' Face The Nation, and appeared on Hugh Hewitt's radio show. Click the following images to view or listen: Press conference in Kentucky ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2DDE17F4-EB32-4F9B-A282-81A79D79CB7E,Joseph Balash to Play Critical Role in Coal Country,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the president’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management, Joseph Balash: “In addition to our important work on tax reform and to fund the government, this week the Senate is also continuing our efforts to confirm President Trump’s nominees to his administration. “Soon, the Senate will consider the nomination of Joseph Balash to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management. Through his career in both state government as the Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources and his service here in the United States Senate, Mr. Balash has shown his talent and passion for affordable sources of energy and environmental protection. “The Alaska Department of Natural Resources manages one of the largest portfolios of land, water, oil, gas, renewables, timber, and minerals in the world. Mr. Balash’s leadership of the department required collaboration with many diverse stakeholders and a dedication to the protection of Alaska’s natural beauty. “He worked closely with the Interior Department as the commissioner, and he has the skills necessary to fulfill this leadership role at the department. As the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Balash will be responsible for many of the Interior Department’s critical functions, including the management of all federal lands and waters, the management of their associated resources, and the appropriate regulation of surface coal mining. “I look forward to working with Mr. Balash on many of these issues, especially those important to the coal miners in my home state of Kentucky. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting his nomination.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=77194FC5-6A97-4297-8556-1EE77BBFF1AE,Tax Reform Conference Committee Next Step To Bringing Families Relief,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding a conference with the House on tax reform: “Yesterday, the Senate formally voted to join our colleagues from the House to consider our tax reform bills in a conference committee. It’s another important step toward delivering much-needed relief to the men, women, and families we represent. Now, the committee members will reconcile the differences between the bills. And when they finish their work, members of both chambers will have the opportunity to pass this tax reform legislation and send it to President Trump. “As I’ve said before, tax reform represents the single most important thing we can do right now to grow the economy and boost middle-class families. It will also incentivize businesses to bring investment and jobs home and keep them here. “We want a tax code that works for hardworking American families – one that can bring opportunity, help create new jobs, and keep more money in workers’ paychecks. That means a typical family of four earning the median income could see a tax cut of approximately $2,200. This tax reform plan is our way of helping families get ahead and plan for their future. “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get us to this point, and I would like to thank my Senate colleagues and our friends in the House and in the Trump Administration for their efforts to fundamentally rethink our tax code. I look forward to the conference committee’s report so we can complete our efforts and deliver relief to those who need it most.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=BA2851A4-35F7-4532-84C1-B822EE88DD06,Senate Will Pass Short-Term Funding Bill Before End Of Week,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding government funding legislation: “The Senate must act before the end of the week to pass a clean short-term funding bill to maintain the critical operations of the federal government. Our colleagues in the House will send us the non-controversial provision soon, and then we will have the opportunity to consider it. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass it. “This short-term continuing resolution will provide us with the time we need to complete discussions on a long-term solution. It will also provide certainty to states to continue funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program. “Later today, Speaker Ryan, Leader Schumer, Leader Pelosi and I will meet with President Trump to continue discussing an agreement to fund the federal government. I look forward to working together with colleagues in a serious, bipartisan way to address a number of priorities for our nation in the coming weeks. I hope all members will join me.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C67E2C1B-94B5-483E-96B2-920CA8120753,Continuing Resolution Will Allow Congress To Finalize Long-Term Funding Solution,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding government funding legislation: “With the cooperation of our colleagues, Congress will pass a short-term continuing resolution before the end of the week. Once the House passes the continuing resolution, the Senate will have the chance to consider it as well. “By sending this short-term funding provision to the president for his signature, we will ensure that the government remains open while bipartisan discussions continue with our colleagues in Congress and the White House on a long-term funding solution. In the meantime, it is important to recognize that this bill doesn’t have any contentious provisions. We should all support it. “A vote for this short-term measure will help maintain our military. It will continue the important work of federal agencies. And it will provide states with the certainty to continue funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program until a bipartisan CHIP reauthorization agreement is finalized. “So, when the House sends us the short-term continuing resolution later this week, I would urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting for it. That way, we can continue the critical operations of the federal government while we work to finalize a long-term solution.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D971A03E-0001-4E1A-8A2E-26B1E234BF90,One Step Closer To Tax Reform,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding a conference with the House on tax reform: “Last week, Senators answered the calls of our constituents by voting to overhaul our complex and outdated federal tax code. We seized the opportunity to spur economic growth, to help create jobs right here at home, and to take more money out of Washington’s pocket and put more money into the pockets of hardworking American families. “Our bill also helps provide for our country’s energy security by further developing Alaska’s oil and gas potential in an environmentally responsible way. And it delivers relief to low- and middle-income Americans by repealing Obamacare’s individual mandate tax. “I would like to once again thank every one of my colleagues who supported this once-in-a-generation effort to make our tax code work for the middle class and help them get ahead. Since the beginning of this process, we said that tax reform would be done through regular order and an open process. That’s exactly what has happened. “Under Chairman Hatch’s leadership, the Senate Finance Committee hosted dozens of hearings over multiple years and a full committee markup. Members on both sides of the aisle had the chance to offer amendments both in the committee and here on the floor. We considered numerous amendments, and, when it came time to vote, the Senate approved the bill. This has been a years-long process to deliver tax reform. We have come a long way, and we still have more work ahead of us. “Earlier this week, our colleagues in the House voted to work with the members of the Senate to produce a final bill to send to the president’s desk. And later today, the Senate will do the same. We will vote to join our colleagues in a conference to finish our work on tax reform. The American people deserve taxes that are lower, simpler, and fairer. By voting to go to conference, we will be one step closer to getting it done. I look forward to voting to send our legislation to conference later today.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-announces-senates-republican-members-of-the-tax-reform-conference-committee,McConnell Announces Senates Republican Members of the Tax Reform Conference Committee,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 McConnell Announces Senate’s Republican Members of the Tax Reform Conference Committee ‘The next step in this process is to join our House colleagues in a conference committee to finish our work on this important issue. I know everyone is ready to finalize our tax reform legislation and send it to the president so he can sign it into law.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following statement after eight Republican Senators were selected for the Tax Cut and Jobs Act conference committee: “Last week, Senators answered the calls of our constituents by voting to overhaul our complex and outdated federal tax code. We seized the opportunity to spur economic growth, to help create jobs right here at home, and to take more money out of Washington’s pocket and put more money into the pockets of hardworking American families. Now that the Senate has voted to join our House colleagues in a conference committee, I’m confident that this distinguished group of Senators will work to get the job done for the American people. I know everyone is ready to finalize our tax reform legislation and send it to the president so he can sign it into law.” Republican Senators Selected for the Tax Cut and Jobs Act Conference Committee: Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Mike Enzi (R-WY), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee John Cornyn (R-TX)   John Thune (R-SD) Rob Portman (R-OH)     Tim Scott (R-SC)  Pat Toomey (R-PA)  Related Issues: Taxes, Economy Print Email Tweet Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/interior-department-recommends-designating-camp-nelson-as-a-national,Interior Department Recommends Designating Camp Nelson as a National Monument,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), who has championed efforts to give national recognition to the Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park in Jessamine County, applauded the release of the Department of the Interior’s recommendation that the park be designated as a National Monument.  After learning of the Department’s plans to review National Monument designations, Congressman Barr brought the historic site to Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke’s attention as a possible addition for monument status.  Congressman Barr and his staff worked with local stakeholders to educate the Department’s staff on the historical significance of the park and to demonstrate strong local support for the designation. “Today is a great day for Kentucky,” said Congressman Barr.  “With the release of this report, we are one step closer to having our first National Monument, and I can think of no site more deserving of this distinction than the Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park where thousands of African American slaves found freedom.  I greatly appreciate the consideration Secretary Zinke and the Department of Interior have given this request and the process they have undertaken to ensure that sites given this designation have national historic significance and local support.  I strongly encourage President Trump to follow through on the Secretary’s recommendations.” Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said, ""National monuments help preserve and tell our nation's history, and Camp Nelson is one of the places where our nation was made stronger and history was made.  As a key depot, training center, and hospital, Camp Nelson recruited and trained thousands of African-American war heroes who helped restore the Union.  I appreciate Congressman Barr's interest in the monument review and his steadfast advocacy for the site."" Click here to read the full report released by the Department of the Interior.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=30F3A08F-A8CC-495C-B0F1-7B6E5E73B49F,Congress And Administration Working To Finalize Government Funding Plan,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding government funding legislation: “As we all know, we must pass legislation to fund the government before the end of the week. By approving a short-term bill, we can continue the crucial functions of the federal government while we work with our colleagues in the House and the Trump Administration to finalize a long-term plan. The temporary funding measure will come before the House soon, and I expect the Senate to consider it shortly thereafter. “It’s a clean bill, free from any sort of objectionable policy-riders. In addition, it includes a provision to assure states of the future of the Children’s Health Insurance Program while a bipartisan reauthorization agreement is completed. “All members should be able to support this non-controversial, short-term legislation. We will continue working to pass a funding agreement that advances a number of American priorities, something we’ll be discussing with the president on Thursday along with the Democrat Leaders of the House and Senate. “Yesterday, the Senate Democratic Leader expressed his opposition to a government shutdown. I agree with him. So I hope he and his fellow Democrats will continue to work with us in good faith to pass this short-term funding bill and maintain the critical functions of the federal government.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=912F2E4E-3505-4751-8E14-418906FF6BF3,Senate To Confirm Nielsen For Secretary Of Homeland Security,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the president’s nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen: “Yesterday, the Senate voted to advance the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen to be the Secretary of Homeland Security. Now, it’s time for us to vote to confirm her so she can get to work for the American people. “By confirming Ms. Nielsen’s nomination to lead the DHS, this Senate will take a serious step to strengthen our nation’s security. Ms. Nielsen will be charged with leading the department at a critical time. With her understanding of the challenges facing our nation and her experience in prevention and preparedness, I believe that she will excel as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. “Her leadership will also help in providing continued assistance to the men and women still suffering from the effects of the recent natural disasters in our country. Our nation faces myriad threats, and I look forward to working with Ms. Nielsen to address each of them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A310C281-5155-47D4-9231-10612EB7B2AC,Senate Will Vote To Send Tax Reform Legislation To Conference This Week,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding tax reform: “Last night, our colleagues in the House of Representatives voted to send the tax reform legislation to a conference committee. There, members from both chambers will work to resolve the differences in our bills and eventually enable us to send a final product to President Trump for his signature. “The House’s action last night is more progress in our years-long effort to deliver real relief to the men and women we represent. I am grateful to our friends in the House for their willingness to continue working with us to help shift our economy into high gear. I look forward to the Senate voting to join the conference later this week. “And in the end, both chambers will have the opportunity to pass the final legislation to help families keep more of their hard-earned money, to create good jobs, and to jumpstart economic growth. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0FBD6D94-C6D3-4740-AE8C-9761A0C4C21A,Congress To Pass Government Funding Bill,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding government funding legislation: “This week, Congress will consider short-term funding legislation to provide resources to address many important issues facing our country. The House recently released its legislative text to fund the government through December 22, and I look forward to our colleagues’ consideration of the measure. This bill – one without any controversial policy riders – will continue government funding and give the House and Senate time to complete their work on a long-term solution. “It will keep the government open and functional, and it includes critical resources for our national defense and to give states certainty to continue the Children’s Health Insurance Program while the bipartisan work on CHIP reauthorization continues. “Congressional leaders continue to work with the administration on a long-term funding proposal to help agencies accomplish their goals and plan for the future. As we wait for the House to take the next steps, I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to review the legislation. We will pass it before the end of the week.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=A9306639-4C36-416E-B960-8E6802CF0BCF,Kirstjen Nielsen Has The Talent And Experience To Succeed At DHS,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the president’s nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen: “Today, the Senate will continue to fulfill its important responsibility to confirm critical nominees to President Trump’s administration. We’ll do that by voting to advance the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen, the president’s choice to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security. “As my colleagues know, this is an incredibly important position within our government. With responsibilities ranging from cybersecurity, to protecting our borders, to the continued recovery efforts from the recent natural disasters, the Department of Homeland Security requires strong leadership to get the job done. “Ms. Nielsen is a qualified candidate with the talent and experience to succeed. As Chief of Staff to the previous DHS Secretary, General John Kelly, she understands the daily operations of the Department and shares our goals for its future. In addition, her previous tenure with the Department makes her an ideal candidate to be ready to lead the agency on day one. “Ms. Nielsen is an experienced professional who will help lead the Department as it faces constantly-evolving threats. I look forward to advancing her nomination later today, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Ms. Nielsen for this critical national security post.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-on-abcs-this-week-and-cbss-face-the-nation-,McConnell on ABCs This Week and CBSs Face the Nation,2017-12-03,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.03.17 McConnell on ABC’s ‘This Week’ and CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’ “It was pretty clear during this debate we have a very different view of what America ought to look like. Our Democratic friends are quite content with slow growth and little opportunity to improve your condition. We think we need to jumpstart the economy and provide more jobs and more opportunity for the American people.” LOUISVILLE, KY- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appeared on ABC’s ‘This Week’ and CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’ to discuss Senate passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The following are excerpts from the interviews: ABC’s ‘This Week’ On Middle Class Tax Relief and Jobs “We’re doing a lot to keep our jobs from going overseas by making sure the business tax rates are competitive in this global economy. Of course we didn’t leave behind the middle class, either. The average tax-paying family gets a $2,200 tax cut. We double the standard deduction. We increased the child care credit.” “This is very much oriented toward not only middle class tax relief but making sure our jobs are still here and there are jobs in the United States rather than somewhere else.” On Regular Order “There were tons of hearings. Over and over. The Democrats went to them. The Democrats had the opportunity to offer amendments in committee. They had an opportunity to offer amendments on the floor. For example they were complaining about our repealing the Individual Mandate in Obamacare in this bill, but none of them offered an amendment to take it out. They had plenty of opportunity.” “They decided it was important to them politically to oppose this tax measure and take that to the American people- and we're prepared to do that because we think this country has been underperforming and we believe this will get the country performing better, providing jobs and opportunity for the vast number of people who’ve been displaced during the Obama years.” CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’ On Tax Reform Jumpstarting our Nation’s Economy “[Tax reform] coupled with the regulatory relief the administration has been providing are the reasons the economy is beginning to pick up. Consumer confidence is up.” “This is designed to get the economy growing again. We didn’t have a single year of three percent growth during all of the Obama years. We were clearly underperforming- and you have to ask the question, why? It was a combination of over-regulation and a lousy tax code.” “It was pretty clear during this debate we have a very different view of what America ought to look like. Our Democratic friends are quite content with slow growth and little opportunity to improve your condition. We think we need to jumpstart the economy and provide more jobs and more opportunity for the American people.”  Related Issues: Economy, Taxes, Middle Class Print Email Tweet Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-senate-passage-tax-cuts-calls-further-action/,"Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts, Calls for Further Action",2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts, Calls for Further Action WASHINGTON, D.C. – Early Saturday morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “As we took on tax reform, I worked directly with President Donald Trump and spoke out in Congress to make sure we kept our promises to the American people, secured a tax cut for more families, and repealed the Obamacare individual mandate. “While I still would have preferred larger cuts, this bill provides a foundation on which to continue building. Today marks a victory for giving the American people back more of their own money and reforming an archaic tax code.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-applauds-senate-passage-tax-cuts-calls-further-action,"Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts, Calls for Further Action",2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2017  Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts, Calls for Further Action    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Early Saturday morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “As we took on tax reform, I worked directly with President Donald Trump and spoke out in Congress to make sure we kept our promises to the American people, secured a tax cut for more families, and repealed the Obamacare individual mandate.   “While I still would have preferred larger cuts, this bill provides a foundation on which to continue building. Today marks a victory for giving the American people back more of their own money and reforming an archaic tax code.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-s-manufactured-housing-act-passes-the-house,Barrs Manufactured Housing Act Passes the House,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06).  The Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017 corrects a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulation which has harmed lower and moderate income families by making it harder for lenders to offer financing for manufactured homes.  “So-called ‘consumer protections’ that deny hard-working, low and moderate income Americans the ability to own their own home at an affordable price, are harming consumers – not protecting them,” said Congressman Barr.  “Bureaucrats in Washington, who know nothing about rural America, should not stand in the way of those Kentuckians who want to invest in a home of their own, often at a lower cost than rent.  That is why I introduced and the House passed this bipartisan and common sense legislation to make it possible for more families to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. ” Click here to view video of Congressman Barr’s remarks in support of the bill during debate on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.   Background: By expanding the range of loan products considered “high-cost” mortgages under the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act, the CFPB has failed to recognize the unique nature of manufactured housing loans.  Because of the increased legal liabilities and stigma associated with making a “high-cost” mortgage, some lenders have simply stopped making these loans. H.R. 1699, the Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017, simply clarifies that a manufactured home sales person is not originating a loan when helping a consumer apply for a mortgage or prepare loan information, unless they are compensated by a creditor, lender or mortgage broker. H.R. 1699 also improves the “high cost” mortgage definition by slightly increasing the maximum interest rate and points and fees cap for manufactured loans for less than $75,000 in order to preserve access to mortgage credit for low and moderate-income consumers who are seeking to buy a manufactured home.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1739,Guthrie Introduces Higher Education Reform Legislation,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee’s Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, today with full committee chairwoman Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05) introduced the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act. The PROSPER Act reforms the Higher Education Act of 1965 by providing more avenues for students to access and complete postsecondary education while simplifying, streamlining, and increasing student aid options. “I was proud to join Chairwoman Foxx today to introduce the PROSPER Act, a historic bill that will make it easier for students to get the education that they seek as part of the American Dream,” said Guthrie. “Education and technology have changed so much not only since the Higher Education Act first passed in 1965, but even since 2008, the last time it was reauthorized. I hear from college graduate constituents who are saddled with thousands of dollars of debt or from would-be students who don’t have time for the typical four year degree. There are six million unfilled jobs in this country, and we need to make sure students and prospective students have access to the right education matching the skills they need to get those jobs.” “The commonsense reforms we have introduced within the PROSPER Act will transform an outdated higher education system to fit the needs of the modern economy, expand and equip institutions with the tools they need to prepare the workforce of tomorrow,” said Chairwoman Foxx.“Rep. Guthrie has been instrumental in his leadership as chairman of the Higher Education and Workforce Development subcommittee as members of the committee have created these solutions. I want to thank him for his leadership and continued commitment to students and families who will benefit from reforms in the PROSPER Act.” The PROSPER Act will: · Promote innovation, access, and completion of postsecondary education by providing a Pell Grant bonus for students who take enough credits to put them on track to graduate on time—making it easier for low-income, at-risk, and minority students to attend school—and by expanding industry-led “earn-and-learn” programs. · Simplify and improve student aid by streamlining student aid programs into one grant program, one loan program, and one work-study program. · Empower students and families to make informed decisions by enhancing financial aid counseling, improving early awareness of federal financial aid options for students in high school, and creating a College Dashboard website with key information about colleges and universities. · Ensure strong accountability and a limited federal role by strengthening the accreditation process and eliminating burdensome federal regulations that limit student choice and stifle innovation.   More information about the PROSPER Act can be found at www.edworkforce.house.gov/PROSPER.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0124A8AA-0603-4156-AD5F-9C2D40D053D9,Joint Statement from Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan on Misleading Democrat Claims About Tax Reform,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released the following statement on misleading Democrat claims that tax reform would lead to cuts in vital programs: “Critics of tax reform are claiming the legislation would lead to massive, across-the-board spending cuts in vital programs—including a four percent reduction in Medicare—due to the Pay-Go law enacted in 2010. This will not happen. Congress has readily available methods to waive this law, which has never been enforced since its enactment. There is no reason to believe that Congress would not act again to prevent a sequester, and we will work to ensure these spending cuts are prevented.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8982FFDA-4CBE-4807-9F2A-E35DAAC10B1D,Leader McConnell Joins Kentucky Small Business Advocates to Highlight Importance of Tax Reform,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined Republican Senators, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon, and small business advocates from Kentucky and around the country today for an event to talk about how tax reform will help American workers. Senator McConnell talks about the urgent need for tax reform During the event, Senator McConnell said, “We're on the cusp of a great victory for the country and particularly for small business. We are happy to have Linda McMahon here and I'm particularly pleased to have Alan Keck from Somerset, Kentucky, one of our great small business people.” Senator McConnell spoke about the Senate’s efforts to overhaul our complex tax code and shift our economy into high gear, saying, “We are in the stretch, horse racing is kind of a big deal in Kentucky. We are going down the home stretch, headed toward the finish line…What’s in this for the American people and for small businesses obviously is tax relief. An opportunity to hire more people, to build more in America, and to get the growth rate up.” Alan Keck, of Somerset, Kentucky, was one of the small business owners to speak at the event. He is the President of Somerset Recycling and the founder of Keck Sports Management, a professional baseball agency. Keck spoke about how tax reform will help his family and small business: Kentucky small business owner, Alan Keck, speaks during tax reform event “As a small business owner we’re expected to wear many, many hats. But I want to touch on something that might be a little bit more personal, the compliance that we have as small business owners that we have to face the regulatory burden. The tax simplification in this reform is what excites me because every hour I don’t have to waste dealing with that is an hour at home with my daughters, is an hour at church serving in my youth group, perhaps for many of you it’s an hour on a La-Z-Boy reading a book that you care about. But we spend billions of dollars…dealing with this compliance issue and its wasteful, it’s silly.” Yesterday, the Senate took a crucial step toward relief, voting to proceed to debate of the tax reform legislation. The Senate continues to work through an open amendment process where members from both parties will have the opportunity to offer their ideas. Senator McConnell welcomes Kentucky small business owners to his office in the U.S. Capitol",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-senate-passage-tax-cuts/,Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “As we took on tax reform, I worked directly with President Donald Trump and spoke out in Congress to make sure we kept our promises to the American people, secured a tax cut for more families, and repealed the Obamacare individual mandate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/joint-statement-from-leader-mcconnell-and-speaker-ryan-on-misleading-democrat-claims-about-tax-reform,Joint Statement from Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan on Misleading Democrat Claims About Tax Reform,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.17 Joint Statement from Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan on Misleading Democrat Claims About Tax Reform ‘Critics of tax reform are claiming the legislation would lead to massive, across-the-board spending cuts in vital programs—including a four percent reduction in Medicare—due to the Pay-Go law enacted in 2010. This will not happen.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) released the following statement on misleading Democrat claims that tax reform would lead to cuts in vital programs: “Critics of tax reform are claiming the legislation would lead to massive, across-the-board spending cuts in vital programs—including a four percent reduction in Medicare—due to the Pay-Go law enacted in 2010. This will not happen. Congress has readily available methods to waive this law, which has never been enforced since its enactment. There is no reason to believe that Congress would not act again to prevent a sequester, and we will work to ensure these spending cuts are prevented.” Related Issues: Taxes, Senate Democrats Print Email Tweet Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=0069EFAC-3AB1-4327-B936-32174AF23BE1,Leader McConnell Joins Kentucky Small Business Advocates to Highlight Importance of Tax Reform,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined Republican Senators, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon, and small business advocates from Kentucky and around the country today for an event to talk about how tax reform will help American workers. Senator McConnell talks about the urgent need for tax reform During the event, Senator McConnell said, “We're on the cusp of a great victory for the country and particularly for small business. We are happy to have Linda McMahon here and I'm particularly pleased to have Alan Keck from Somerset, Kentucky, one of our great small business people.” Senator McConnell spoke about the Senate’s efforts to overhaul our complex tax code and shift our economy into high gear, saying, “We are in the stretch, horse racing is kind of a big deal in Kentucky. We are going down the home stretch, headed toward the finish line…What’s in this for the American people and for small businesses obviously is tax relief. An opportunity to hire more people, to build more in America, and to get the growth rate up.” Alan Keck, of Somerset, Kentucky, was one of the small business owners to speak at the event. He is the President of Somerset Recycling and the founder of Keck Sports Management, a professional baseball agency. Keck spoke about how tax reform will help his family and small business: Kentucky small business owner, Alan Keck, speaks during tax reform event “As a small business owner we’re expected to wear many, many hats. But I want to touch on something that might be a little bit more personal, the compliance that we have as small business owners that we have to face the regulatory burden. The tax simplification in this reform is what excites me because every hour I don’t have to waste dealing with that is an hour at home with my daughters, is an hour at church serving in my youth group, perhaps for many of you it’s an hour on a La-Z-Boy reading a book that you care about. But we spend billions of dollars…dealing with this compliance issue and its wasteful, it’s silly.” Yesterday, the Senate took a crucial step toward relief, voting to proceed to debate of the tax reform legislation. The Senate continues to work through an open amendment process where members from both parties will have the opportunity to offer their ideas. Senator McConnell welcomes Kentucky small business owners to his office in the U.S. Capitol ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E707AC0E-BA2B-46BE-B105-9E35439B626E,Its Time For Tax Reform,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need for tax reform: “From across my home state of Kentucky, I’ve heard the calls for tax reform. For too long, hardworking men and women have been held back by an economy that has failed to live up to its potential. They’re ready for us to get the economy going again. For example, the East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which serves more than 500,000 families and businesses in my state, recently wrote to my office in support of tax reform. “The cooperative encouraged us ‘to put more disposable income into the hands of hard-working citizens and encourage investment and long-term economic growth.’ In addition, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which represents thousands of businesses across the Commonwealth, recently wrote a letter encouraging us to consider relieving ‘the tax burden of small businesses by simplifying the code and reducing costs.’ It concluded the letter by asking for the Senate to ‘support federal tax reform to achieve the economic growth that has been Kentucky’s potential for so long.’ “And this morning, a group of small businessmen and women from Kentucky join Senators here on the Hill with Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon to discuss the urgent need for tax reform. I would like to thank Senator Blunt for hosting this event to hear from these job creators and to reiterate that they are at the forefront of our tax reform efforts. The people of Kentucky have struggled under our outdated and complex federal tax code. It’s time to overhaul it and deliver real relief to middle-class families and small businesses. “For a number of years, our friends across the aisle – including the Ranking Member of the Finance Committee and the Democratic Leader – have vocally called for tax reform. They claimed that they supported efforts to close loopholes and help American businesses become more competitive here at home. They claimed that they supported policies to help prevent more jobs from moving overseas. The good news is, that’s exactly what our tax reform legislation does. So passing this bill to help keep jobs and investments in the United States should be something on which we can all agree. “A group of economists from around the country recently penned a letter expressing the need for tax reform. After examining the proposals put forward, these economists agreed that the House and Senate plans have the ability to grow the economy and increase the income of American families. In particular, they wrote that tax reform can reduce the incentives for companies to move investments overseas. That means the bill we are considering would discourage corporations from moving jobs and investments abroad. “For working families who have endured a decade of lost jobs and opportunities, this is welcome relief. So, why would our Democrat friends support this idea in theory, but then oppose legislation once they finally have the chance to put the plan into action? What changed? Not the ideas. Not the need for tax reform. The only change has been the president in the Oval Office. “This is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to take more money out of Washington’s pocket and put more money into the pockets of hardworking families. We can’t let partisanship distract us from delivering real relief to the middle class. And we won’t. “Under Chairman Hatch’s leadership, the Senate Finance Committee passed this legislation that is the product of years of hard work, dozens of hearings, and an open amendment process. I would like to once again thank Chairman Hatch for his efforts to get us to this pivotal point where we can consider a proposal to truly help our constituents. “First and foremost, the tax-reform proposal before us today is good for families. To a middle-class family of four in Kentucky who earns the median income, a nearly $2,200 tax cut could make a real difference. “Second, the plan is good for small businesses and job creators. It’s earned the support of the National Federation of Independent Business because it will help small businesses grow, invest, and hire right here in the United States. As I said before, it will also make it easier for other businesses to bring jobs and investments home. “And third, this legislation helps low- and middle-income families by repealing Obamacare’s burdensome individual mandate tax. This is a good bill. And by overhauling our tax code, we can provide much-needed support to the men and women who sent us here. “Yesterday, the Senate took a crucial step toward relief. Every Senator who voted to proceed to this important debate has already begun to answer those calling out for tax reform. Now, the Senate will work through an open amendment process here on the floor where members from both parties will have the opportunity to offer their ideas. And tonight, I expect that Senators will have the opportunity to vote on many of these amendments. “This is our chance to deliver relief to hardworking American families and help the middle class get ahead. It’s our opportunity to overhaul our complex tax code and shift our economy into high gear. We can pass many of the ideas we’ve discussed and supported for years, and I urge all of my colleagues to work together to get this done.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-introduces-fatca-repeal-amendment-tax-reform-bill/,Dr. Rand Paul Introduces FATCA Repeal Amendment to Tax Reform Bill,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,Senate,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,paul,https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing his efforts to protect the privacy of Americans’ financial records, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced an amendment to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to repeal the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). “As we work to reduce the massive tax burden Washington has placed on the American people, we should also stand up for their Fourth Amendment right to privacy by rejecting the bulk collection of the financial information of Americans who live overseas,” said Dr. Paul. Enacted by Congress in 2010, FATCA mandates that foreign financial institutions regularly report private financial information on American citizens living abroad under threat of a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. The law has impeded international financial transactions and investment by leading many foreign banks to simply deny services to Americans rather than navigate the burdens and costs of compliance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-introduces-fatca-repeal-amendment-tax-reform-bill,Dr. Rand Paul Introduces FATCA Repeal Amendment to Tax Reform Bill,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Rand Paul,P000603,www.paul.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing his efforts to protect the privacy of Americans’ financial records, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced an amendment to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to repeal the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). “As we work to reduce the massive tax burden Washington has placed on the American people, we should also stand up for their Fourth Amendment right to privacy by rejecting the bulk collection of the financial information of Americans who live overseas,” said Dr. Paul. Enacted by Congress in 2010, FATCA mandates that foreign financial institutions regularly report private financial information on American citizens living abroad under threat of a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. The law has impeded international financial transactions and investment by leading many foreign banks to simply deny services to Americans rather than navigate the burdens and costs of compliance. In April, Dr. Paul introduced standalone legislation (S. 869) to repeal FATCA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2F9204CD-ACE2-4C83-A860-BF106AA38198,McConnell: I Applaud Chairman Grassley For Not Allowing Blue Slip Courtesy To Be Abused,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding more of the president’s well-qualified judicial nominees and Senate Democrats’ abuse of the blue slip courtesy in the consideration process: “Our colleague Senator Grassley has done an outstanding job processing the president’s judicial nominees, beginning with the president’s selection of Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court. Chairman Grassley and the members of the Judiciary Committee continue their important work today as the committee holds a hearing for three more of the president’s judicial nominees, including two well-qualified nominees to our circuit courts, Justice David Stras and Mr. Stuart Kyle Duncan. “The Committee’s hearing today is particularly important because it means that one member of this body – in this case, the junior Senator from Minnesota – cannot single-handedly block the committee from considering an extraordinarily well-qualified nominee to serve on our circuit courts. That nominee is Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras. “Justice Stras is an impressively qualified and widely admired member of Minnesota’s highest court. He was raised by a single mother and is the grandson of a survivor of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. Justice Stras graduated first in his class from the University of Kansas Law School. He has clerked on the court of appeals and the United States Supreme Court. “He worked for several years in private practice until he joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota Law School. He was appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2010, and in 2012, Minnesota voters elected him to a full term on their highest court. His reputation in the Minnesota legal community is impeccable. It is no wonder the American Bar Association, hardly a right-wing organization, gave him its highest rating, unanimously well qualified. “Nevertheless, the junior Senator from Minnesota does not support Justice Stras receiving so much as a hearing. That approach is untenable in light of the recent actions of our Democratic colleagues. A little more than four years ago, they eliminated the supermajority requirement for ending debate on lower court nominees. They did so, they said, because they believed that a minority of the Senate should not be able to prevent the confirmation of a nominee who enjoyed the support of a majority of this body. “Perhaps our Democratic colleagues now feel buyer’s remorse over the change to Senate Rules they jammed through this body. But they should not be allowed to use the committee’s blue slip courtesy – which is neither a committee rule, nor a Senate Rule – as another way to block the consideration of nominees with majority support. “As Chairman Grassley has pointed out, that approach is not the way the blue slip courtesy was first used, nor is it the way the vast majority of Judiciary Committee Chairmen have used it. And after Senate Democrats changed the Senate’s Rules to prevent 41 Senators from stopping a nominee, our Democratic colleagues cannot now think it is tenable to give just one Senator absolute power, via the blue slip, to do so. “In this case, the junior Senator from Minnesota acknowledges that it is ‘undeniably true’ that Justice Stras is a ‘committed public servant whose tenure as a professor at the University of Minnesota underscores just how much he cares about the law.’ Yet our colleague objects to the committee even considering his nomination. “Why does he want to block a widely respected and accomplished state Supreme Court justice from his own state whom his constituents support? Because our colleague doesn’t agree with the United States Supreme Court Justices whom the nominee admires, one of whom the nominee happened to clerk for. I applaud Chairman Grassley for not allowing the blue slip courtesy to be abused in this fashion, and I look forward to learning more about Justice Stras’s views from today’s hearing.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=FCA60ECE-1FB8-4A41-A2F3-D82E2CB82025,Tax Reform: Time To Deliver Real Relief To The Men And Women We Represent,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need for tax reform: “During the last decade, hardworking American families have tried to get ahead. But they too often faced insurmountable barriers. The economy was sluggish. Paychecks were stagnant. And jobs and opportunities seemed out of reach. The people we represent deserve better. And we must deliver. It’s time to take our foot off the brake and get our economy going again and growing again. We can do that through tax reform. “Every American who has ever interacted with the IRS already knows that our tax code is broken. Rates are too high. The deductions and loopholes are too complex to understand. And it’s too easy for well-connected elites to take advantage. Passing tax reform is the single most important thing we can do right now to shift the economy into high gear and deliver much-needed relief to American families. “The Senate Finance Committee has developed a bill that is the result of years of work, dozens of hearings, and a full committee markup. I would like to commend Chairman Hatch once again for his leadership of the Finance Committee, and thank him for producing legislation to unleash the potential of our economy, to create jobs, and to keep them here. “Throughout this process, we have kept middle-class families at the center of our efforts. We want to make their taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. That’s why our plan will give the typical family of four with a median income a tax cut close to $2,200. A single parent raising his or her child on a modest income could also see a tax cut of nearly $1,400. These are real savings that can help families plan for their future and get ahead. “The Finance Committee’s tax reform proposal also provides substantial relief to small businesses. We want to make it easier for them to grow, invest, and hire. The bill will also remove incentives for corporations to ship jobs and investments overseas. And finally, our tax reform proposal delivers relief to low- and middle-income Americans by repealing Obamacare’s individual mandate tax. For too long, families have suffered under an unpopular tax from an unworkable law. Repealing this Obamacare tax will help those who need it most. “Yesterday, the Senate Budget Committee under Chairman Enzi’s leadership reported out a bill including our proposal to reform the tax code. I would like to thank Chairman Enzi and the members of the Budget Committee for their outstanding work to get us to this important moment. They have been strong advocates for tax reform, and I appreciate their efforts. “The committee’s report also included Chairman Murkowski’s plan to further develop Alaska’s oil and gas potential in an environmentally responsible way. Her legislation, which has the support of her Alaskan colleague Senator Sullivan, was designed to create good jobs, provide new sources of energy, and strengthen our national security. Now, they will both advance to the Senate floor. “Today, the Senate will take the important next step toward fixing the tax code and helping middle-class families keep more of their hard-earned money. Members will vote to begin debate on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our tax code so it works for the middle class. I encourage any member who thinks that we need to fix the problems of our outdated tax code to vote to proceed to the legislation. “Anyone who thinks that rates are too high or loopholes are too prominent should vote to begin debate. And to members who have ideas about how to make the bill better, I urge them to vote for the motion to proceed and offer their amendments. I believe my mandate from the people of Kentucky is to vote yes. And I certainly intend to do so. “The bottom line is this: we must vote to begin debate. Because once we do, we will be one step closer to taking more money out of Washington’s pocket and putting more money into the pockets of the hardworking men and women we represent. This is our chance to deliver relief for the people who have sent us here. And the way that we can do that is by voting to proceed to the bill. “Every member will have the opportunity later today to answer the calls of American families by voting to begin debate. I will vote yes on the motion to proceed, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=619B7F54-64B2-4A54-A9D4-22947721318A,Majority Leader McConnell Introduces Kentuckian Kenny Allen at Nomination Hearing,2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today before members of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety in support of Kenny Allen of Hopkins County, Kentucky, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): McConnell delivers remarks during the Environment & Public Works Subcommittee hearing. “Thank you for allowing me to join you this morning to speak in support of the nomination of Mr. Kenny Allen, of Hopkins County, Kentucky to serve on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Valley Authority. “President Trump made a strong choice in nominating Kenny to help lead the TVA to fulfill its important mission of delivering affordable and reliable energy and promoting economic development in the region it serves. “Kenny is the right choice to fill this role, and he brings decades of relevant work experience to the position. Further, he has interacted firsthand with the agency for many years through his work in the coal industry. As members of this subcommittee know, the TVA is a critical resource to approximately nine million Americans in the Southeast, many of them in Kentucky. “In my home state alone, about 205,000 households rely on the TVA for the delivery of electricity. In addition, the TVA is charged with serving as a responsible steward of land and water around the Kentucky Dam and Reservoir, which are important to the Commonwealth’s economy and culture. “As a native of western Kentucky, Kenny will help govern the TVA well and serve as a prudent caretaker of TVA-managed land in Kentucky and throughout the Southeast. Kenny understands the particular challenges facing the coal industry in states like mine. During his career in the private sector, much of his work focused on marketing coal to electric utility companies, and I am confident that his wealth of experience and knowledge will benefit the agency as it works to better serve Kentucky and the region. “In addition to his nearly forty years of work experience in the coal industry, Kenny has also served on the boards of a number of associations and commissions dedicated to environmental stewardship, energy production, and economic development. For example, he has shown his commitment to conservation and land preservation by serving as the Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Kentucky Reclamation and Guaranty Fund. “For many communities, particularly in coal states like Kentucky, land reclamation and redevelopment are critical to economic growth. Kenny understands that priority. He has also served on the West Kentucky Consortium of Energy and Environment and the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board of Directors demonstrating his commitment to affordable energy, a clean environment, and promoting job creation and economic development. Through each of these positions, Kenny has built relationships with TVA communities. “I would like to congratulate Kenny, his wife, Teresa, and their two sons, on this important nomination, and I thank the subcommittee for allowing me to be here today to support him during this process. “I was proud to recommend him to President Trump to serve in this position, and I hope the subcommittee will move forward quickly to process his nomination. Through this morning’s hearing, I am confident that you will find a qualified and talented individual, prepared to serve the TVA’s service region as a member of its Board of Directors. “Once again, thank you, for allowing me to introduce Kenny this morning. I appreciate the consideration of this subcommittee, and I look forward the Senate’s confirmation of his nomination.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=898E2EC5-83EB-4AD3-99D5-425E9E6E6CE9,Joint Statement from Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell,2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—This afternoon, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement. ""We have important work to do, and Democratic leaders have continually found new excuses not to meet with the administration to discuss these issues. Democrats are putting government operations, particularly resources for our men and women on the battlefield, at great risk by pulling these antics. There is a meeting at the White House this afternoon, and if Democrats want to reach an agreement, they will be there.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=92A1AE95-FE7D-4131-9DCC-2DA92E59AC28,Majority Leader McConnell Statement on the Passing of Ken Rowland,2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of anchorman Ken Rowland: “I was saddened to hear about the passing of Ken Rowland, a Kentucky broadcasting legend. Ken was a familiar face on Louisville news channels for decades, and I remember his award winning coverage during his days at WLKY and WHAS. Ken was a Hall of Fame journalist and I got to know him while serving as County Judge-Executive when he would report stories from the local courthouse. Elaine and I join with the city he loved to send our condolences to his wife and family and his TV family. He will be missed.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1738,ICYMI: Guthrie Op-ed: Closing the cyber skills gap,2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), chairman of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, along with Congressman John Ratcliffe (TX-04), chairman of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, wrote the following opinion piece in the Washington Times on the need to close the cyber skills gap:   Closing the cyber skills gap As published in the Washington Times November 21, 2017 By Brett Guthrie and John Ratcliffe   In the digitally integrated world we live in today, it’s nearly impossible to function successfully in any industry without making cybersecurity staffing a priority. No matter the size, no matter the sector, businesses all across the country are in growing need of professionals who specialize in cybersecurity. As lawmakers who are supportive of pro-growth, pro-job creation economic policies, we’re excited to witness the explosion of new jobs that stems from the 21st century technology boom. But a serious problem lies in the shortage of qualified professionals that currently exists to fill these emerging positions. Right now, America is facing a cyber skills gap that has left us with a whopping 200,000 unfilled jobs in the cybersecurity sector — a number that’s projected to hit 1.8 million in the next five years. This is a chronic issue impacting us in the private and public sectors alike, ultimately at the expense of our national security. While identifying the cyber skills gap has proven far easier than finding ways to close it, as subcommittee chairmen who oversee work being done in Congress to improve the cyber workforce pipeline across sectors, we’ve been using an integrated approach to find solutions. That’s why we recently held a joint hearing with the House Homeland Security Committee’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee and the Education and Workforce Committee’s Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. This collaborative approach gave us an opportunity to hear from a panel of witnesses representing employers and institutions with significant experience in this field about current best practices to prepare people seeking jobs in the cyber workforce. Our discussions with top professionals in higher education confirmed how important it is to build and maintain effective alliances between our federal government, community groups, universities, and career and technical schools as we all move forward to address the cyber skills gap. As one of the witnesses, Douglas Rapp, testified to on behalf of the Cyber Leadership Alliance, the synergies that can result from these public-private partnerships can be enormous. And we believe this type of teamwork should span across all facets of workforce development — from education to the hiring process to retention. Additionally, we should be giving more thought to recruiting groups such as military veterans who have already been trained in cybersecurity as a part of their service. We should also be taking full advantage of regional partnerships where close cooperation already exists between industry and area colleges, which ensures the use of curriculum that is more responsive to the needs of the local industry. Further, we should be looking ahead at what new cybersecurity roles will begin to emerge, so we can appropriately focus recruitment criteria on the inherent skills required to perform these jobs, rather than looking at existing certifications or degrees that may be misaligned with the cybersecurity jobs of tomorrow. Beyond this, we should send Information Sharing and Analysis Center staffers to schools to train the students and teachers, create more cyber boot camps to keep educators up to date with emerging needs, and consider the conversion of cybersecurity certificates into associate’s degrees for better opportunities for students seeking cyber-related jobs in government. As we begin implementing these solutions and more, we’re hopeful about our ability to make a dent in the daunting skills gap that already exists across our country. Collaboration between sectors and industries must continue, so we can quickly and continually adapt our strategies to build the most robust cyber workforce possible. Click here to read the piece on the Washington Times website.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9EA0359A-6310-4B30-B79A-A908D372B309,Senate To Consider Ninth Nominee For The Circuit Courts,2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the president’s nominee for district court judge for the District of Columbia, Dabney Friedrich and the nominee for U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Gregory Katsas: “Later today, the Senate will consider two more talented nominees to the federal judiciary. First, we will vote to confirm the nomination of Dabney Friedrich to serve as a district court judge for the District of Columbia. Next, we will vote to advance the nomination of an exceptionally well-qualified nominee to the federal judiciary, Gregory Katsas to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. “After graduating from Harvard Law School, Mr. Katsas clerked for Judge Edward Becker of the Third Circuit, and Justice Clarence Thomas, both on the D.C. Circuit and on the United States Supreme Court.He then joined the litigation group at a prominent law firm, focusing on state and federal appellate litigation, including arguing before the Supreme Court. “In 2001, Mr. Katsas became the Deputy Assistant Attorney General supervising the Justice Department’s Appellate Staff of the Civil Division. The Senate later confirmed him by voice vote to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, where he was responsible for overseeing hundreds of lawyers and some of the government’s most complicated litigation. “For his work, he was awarded the Edmund Randolph Award for outstanding service, the highest award given by the Department. In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey expressed his support for Mr. Katsas’ nomination. “He wrote, ‘it was my great privilege to work with Greg when he headed the Civil Division and argued many of the most difficult and challenging cases the Department faced at the time.’ “‘Greg worked tirelessly to defend the interests of the United States in court,’ he continued, ‘whatever his personal views about them may have been.’ “Former Attorney General Mukasey, who has also previously served as a federal district court judge, went on to say that, ‘it is Greg’s character, temperament and virtue that most set him apart, and that suit him to serve as a Circuit Judge.’ “‘There are many smart lawyers in Washington, and probably many nice ones,’ he concluded. ‘But I know of no others who have Greg’s unique combination of legal skill coupled with humility, integrity, and good judgment.’ “That high praise was echoed by many of the other officials who knew Mr. Katsas while at the Justice Department. A large group of them wrote to the Senate Judiciary Committee supporting his nomination. “‘Greg is an exceptionally talented and brilliant appellate lawyer. His commitment to public service and academic qualifications are impeccable. In addition, we can attest to Greg’s thoughtfulness, temperament, and character.’ “Furthermore, a group of distinguished attorneys who have, in their own words, ‘worked with Greg or litigated against him in the Supreme Court or federal courts of appeals, or are otherwise familiar with his work,’ penned a letter of support for Mr. Katsas’ nomination. “‘We hold a broad range of policy and jurisprudential views,’ they wrote, ‘but [we] are united in our view, based on our experience and knowledge of Greg’s work, that he is highly qualified to serve on the D.C. Circuit.’ “Once he completed his time at the Department of Justice and returned to private practice, Mr. Katsas continued to impress his colleagues with his legal skill and judgement. His firm’s managing partner wrote a letter, also signed by partners from around the globe, recommending this nomination. They wrote that, ‘Greg is a truly great legal thinker with a well-earned reputation for integrity, fair-mindedness, and respect for others.’ “‘He has been a brilliant, conscientious advocate,’ they continued, ‘for the firm’s clients in the Supreme Court and appellate courts throughout the nation, in a wide variety of difficult, high-profile cases.’ “Mr. Katsas is an impressive individual who is well-qualified to serve on the D.C. Circuit. I would like to thank Chairman Grassley, once again, for his outstanding work in moving President Trump’s judicial nominees to the floor. I look forward to confirming the nomination of Ms. Friedrich and advancing the nomination of Mr. Katsas later today. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting their nominations.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletters?ContentRecord_id=C23795E7-2B80-4ECF-BE18-4865A1D3EE41,Helping Kentucky Families,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell For the last decade, many Kentucky families have been left behind by the Obama economy. It seemed like only the wealthy or the well-connected were able to succeed, leaving the rest behind to struggle through the slowest economic recovery following a major recession since the Great Depression. With stagnating paychecks, vanishing opportunities, and work difficult to find, the pain for far too many Kentucky families has been all too real. This Republican-led Congress believes that Americans deserve better. And that’s what we’re working to deliver. Tax reform is the single most important thing we can do right now to get the economy moving again to support the middle class. Working with President Trump and his team, we want to fundamentally rethink the complex and outdated federal tax code. This is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape our tax system to make it actually work for middle-class families and small businesses. The House, the Senate and President Trump are united on these goals. They’re also the same goals of Americans calling out for relief. For families, we want to make your taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. Middle-class families are the main focus in our tax reform efforts. We want to promote fairness by closing loopholes that only the wealthy know how to exploit, while also protecting incentives for the middle class. Under the Senate proposal, families in the middle tax brackets will receive the largest proportional tax cut. One study estimates that a typical family of four making the median family income could see a tax cut of nearly $2,200. That’s money that you can put toward making a car payment, paying for college, or saving for retirement. The Senate’s plan also doubles the child tax credit, preserves the adoption tax credit for Kentucky families looking to open their homes to children in need, and it roughly doubles the standard deduction to reduce how much of your income is taxed in the first place. For small businesses, we want to make it easier to grow, invest, and hire. It’s time to help our job creators be more competitive in an increasingly competitive global market. By eliminating incentives for companies to ship investments and jobs overseas, we can help spur job growth here in Kentucky. A different study estimates that under the Senate’s plan, Kentucky could add more than 12,000 new jobs. That’s great news for men and women across the Commonwealth looking for work and opportunity. In addition to these important provisions, the Senate’s bill will also repeal Obamacare’s individual mandate tax. By repealing this burdensome tax, we can provide even more tax relief to low- and middle-income families. The goal is to repeal an unpopular tax from an unworkable law to deliver relief to those who need it the most. The bottom line is this: we want to take more money out of Washington’s pocket, and put more money back in yours. This is our plan to unleash the potential of our economy, to create jobs and keep them here. Both the House and the Senate are working at full-steam to pass tax reform. The House recently passed its tax-reform bill, and the Senate Finance Committee recently passed its proposal after more than 70 hearings, and an open committee process where hundreds of amendments were filed. As the Senate considers the bill on the floor after Thanksgiving, we will continue that open process. We are working together to pass a bill so President Trump can sign it into law – and you can begin to see relief. Reforming our outdated tax code shouldn’t be a partisan issue. In fact, many prominent Washington Democrats used to support many of the underlying ideas in our bill, including middle-class relief and preventing jobs from being shipped overseas. That all seemed to change after the last election. Since President Trump entered the White House, Democrats in Washington have become a party bent on opposition. Now, they seem to even oppose tax relief for hardworking families. I hope they put their obstruction aside and choose to work with us to deliver real reform for the American middle class. You deserve better. In the coming weeks, we will keep working to deliver much-needed relief to help lift the burden that middle-class families in Kentucky have carried for far too long. ### Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican, is Kentucky’s senior Senator and the United States Senate Majority Leader.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-praises-finance-committee-action_on-tax-reform-legislation-,McConnell Praises Finance Committee Action on Tax Reform Legislation,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.17 McConnell Praises Finance Committee Action on Tax Reform Legislation ‘When the Senate returns after Thanksgiving, I will bring this must-pass legislation to the floor for further debate and open consideration. I hope my friends on the other side of the aisle will join us in supporting this legislation, because there is universal agreement that a tax overhaul, and taking more money out of Washington’s pocket and putting more in the pockets of American families, is an economic imperative for our nation.’ WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement after the Senate Finance Committee reported their tax reform legislation: “For the millions of hard-working Americans who need more money in their pockets and the chance of a better future, help is on the way.  Building off of years of work, dozens of hearings and bipartisan proposals, the Senate Finance Committee has reported a bill that will bring lasting relief to middle-class families, small businesses and American workers.  The committee, under the leadership of Chairman Hatch, considered hundreds of amendments, heard arguments from all sides and debated in an open and transparent manner.  I commend my colleagues and the legislation they put forward.  “When the Senate returns after Thanksgiving, I will bring this must-pass legislation to the floor for further debate and open consideration.  I hope my friends on the other side of the aisle will join us in supporting this legislation, because there is universal agreement that a tax overhaul, and taking more money out of Washington’s pocket and putting more in the pockets of American families, is an economic imperative for our nation.  It’s needed to ensure our jobs and businesses aren’t shipped overseas, that families have more to spend on their children, and that our future is one of prosperity.” Related Issues: Economy, Taxes Print Email Tweet Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-barr-keeps-promise-votes-for-tax-reform,"Rep. Barr Keeps Promise, Votes for Tax Reform",2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Andy Barr,B001282,barr.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first comprehensive tax reform legislation to pass the House of Representatives since the Tax Reform Act of 1986. “Today, House Republicans have kept our promise to provide relief to American families and grow our economy by reforming our broken and overly-complex tax code,” said Congressman Barr.  “This needed legislation will allow hard working American taxpayers to keep more of their paychecks, simplify the code by eliminating special interests loopholes, and make our businesses more competitive so that we can keep more jobs here at home.” “Importantly, this bill will provide tax relief to the low- and middle-income Kentuckians who need it the most.  The bill takes the lowest 10 percent tax bracket to zero, and doubles the standard deduction, meaning hardworking Americans can immediately take home more of their paychecks.  Specifically, the first $24,000 in family income will be completely tax free under this plan.  We are nearly doubling the child tax credit and the top tax rate of 39.6 percent will remain for the highest income earners.” A study by the non-partisan Tax Foundation found that in Kentucky this legislation will create 11,782 new full time jobs and increase take home pay by $1,724 for Kentucky households making the median income.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=88097A3B-F1EC-4141-AEB0-C2365945E683,U.S. House Approves Historic Tax Reform,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) applauds the House today for passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R.1. The historic legislation brings comprehensive reform to the American tax code for the first time in more than 30 years, creating a simpler, fairer system for everyone.  ""We are delivering on the President's promise to make meaningful tax reform that will simplify the tax code, allow you to keep more of your hard-earned paycheck and help our job creators put more people back to work,"" said Rogers, who voted for H.R.1. ""It lowers tax rates across the board. In Kentucky, the average family will get to keep nearly $2,000 more of their paychecks each year. In Eastern Kentucky, more than 43,000 taxpayers claim the child tax credit, which will increase from $1,000 per child to $1,600 per child under our plan."" The legislation roughly doubles the standard deduction, meaning the first $12,000 of income for a single person will be tax-free and it increases to $24,000 for married couples.  For those who prefer to itemize their tax returns, the legislation preserves important deductions, like mortgage interest, that make the dream of home ownership a reality. In Kentucky, the bill is expected to create nearly 13,000 new jobs. The 38,000 small business owners in Eastern Kentcky will experience a tax deduction and the job-killing corporate tax rate will be cut from 35% to 20% to spur job creation. ""Finally, the days of complicated itemized tax returns will be a thing of the past. Ninety percent of Americans will be able to file their taxes on a simple postcard,"" said Rogers. The bill now moves on to the U.S. Senate for consideration. President Trump and Congressman Rogers celebrate tax reform",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=13136C62-9753-425D-8B00-AFAD5AAB7350,McConnell Statement on House Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today: “Today with House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we are one big step closer to putting more money in the pockets of millions of struggling American families so they can pay their bills, save for their future and invest for their children. I commend Speaker Paul Ryan, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and all the members of the House who have worked tirelessly to get this critical bill through their chamber. “Through regular order and an open and transparent amendment process, the members of the Senate’s tax writing committee are also making real progress on a bill that’s been years in the making to fulfill our promise to the American people. The tax proposals before Congress will help restore our nation’s economic growth and give our workers, families and small businesses greater confidence that the future will hold greater prosperity, more jobs and opportunity.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2849804C-7BE1-4680-9495-81AB87106E06,Senate Passes Critical Defense Bill,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Just a moment ago, the Senate acted to send the president one of the most important policy bills we consider each year: the National Defense Authorization Act. Not only will this legislation authorize the resources, capabilities, pay and benefits that our men and women in uniform need to perform their missions, but this year’s bill also goes further. It takes a notable step toward authorizing the resources needed to start rebuilding our military and restoring combat readiness. It will help improve our missile defense capabilities and better-prepare us to deal with cyber threats. “It will authorize a well-deserved pay raise for our men and women in uniform while providing for continued reform of the benefits that they and their families rely upon — and it will support the thousands of military servicemembers and families serving at military installations in Kentucky and in the Kentucky National Guard. Further, this bill strives to bring reform to the Pentagon. “As Senator McCain said of the NDAA a few months ago, it will ‘[build] upon the sweeping reforms that Congress has passed in recent years.’ He’s right. And none of this would have been possible without him – without his leadership. I think I can speak for everyone in this chamber when I say that our friend, Senator McCain, has served with distinction as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee. I know the Ranking Member on his committee, Senator Reed, thinks so. I know a lot of members on both sides of the aisle do too. “Senator McCain’s commitment to our men and women in uniform is obvious, and it is unwavering. He respects these brave Americans immensely. He cares about them deeply. And he understands, better than just about anyone, how important a bill like this is to them — not only on a policy level, but on a personal level as well. The NDAA he worked so hard to pass has now cleared both chambers. It is headed to the president’s desk. Soon, it will become law. And, when it does, it will stand as yet another testament to the hard work, dedication, and unflappable determination of our colleague and friend: Senator John McCain — American Hero.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=665B179B-FB14-4853-B17B-F54F5C383091,McConnell Statement on Senator Menendez,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following statement today regarding Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ): “Senator Menendez was indicted on numerous federal felonies. He is one of only twelve U.S. Senators to have been indicted in our history. His trial shed light on serious accusations of violating the public’s trust as an elected official, as well as potential violations of the Senate’s Code of Conduct. “Because of the seriousness of these charges, I am calling on the Senate Ethics committee to immediately investigate Senator Menendez’s actions which led to his indictment.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8961CB3D-C4F1-46C0-BB62-6813F09B1D67,McConnell On Tax Reform: This Is Our Chance To Set A New Course,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding tax legislation being considered by the Senate Finance Committee: “During the past decade, many in the middle class struggled to make ends meet. The economy was sluggish. Paychecks were often stagnant. And jobs, for many, were too hard to find; perhaps not on the coasts, where the well-to-do were able to flourish under the Obama economy — but in Middle America, in states like Kentucky, the pain was real. Hardworking families across the country deserved better; they continue to deserve an economy that reaches for its true potential – one in which more Americans can find a good job to support their families and achieve the American Dream. “So now, this is our chance to set a new course. This is our opportunity to jumpstart the economy and boost job growth. Passing tax reform is the single most important thing we can do right now to support those left behind by the Obama economy. Though obvious, it’s worth repeating: our nation’s tax code is broken. First, the rates are too high — and Americans are sending too much of their hard-earned money to Uncle Sam. Second, the structure is too complicated for most Americans to understand – and it’s too easy for the wealthy and the well-connected to exploit. Third, the incentives are often outdated or simply make no sense — like those that actually encourage American jobs and companies to move overseas. That’s bad for our country. It’s bad for the middle class. It’s bad for small business. “In my home state of Kentucky, a small business CEO wrote a column in a local publication about her experiences with our broken tax system, calling for tax reform to fix it. ‘The federal government takes too much,’ she wrote. ‘Our small businesses – which according to the U.S. Small Business Administration total 96.5 percent of Kentucky’s employers – often face the greatest tax burden.’ This Kentuckian continued, ‘If we want better lives for the nearly 700,000 employees across the [C]ommonwealth who work for small enterprises, we must lift this weight off their backs.’ “Small businesses deserve a tax code that works for them. Middle-class families and individuals deserve the same. That’s why we’re working so hard to enact tax reform. Over in the Senate Finance Committee, Chairman Hatch has laid down a tax-reform proposal that is premised on a simple idea: that we should take more money out of Washington’s pockets, and put more money in the pockets of the middle class. It cuts taxes for middle-class families. It doubles the child tax credit. “This plan does a lot of things, including providing relief to businesses so they can create more jobs in America — and then keep them here. The nation’s leading small business advocacy organization endorsed this legislation, saying that it, ‘will provide much needed tax relief to enable small businesses to grow and create jobs.’ There’s another important provision of the Finance Committee’s tax-reform proposal too. It will deliver relief to low- and moderate-income families by repealing Obamacare’s individual mandate tax. In other words: we can deliver even more relief to the middle class by repealing an unpopular tax from an unworkable law. It just makes sense. “I would like to once again thank Chairman Hatch for his commitment to an open process and regular order. The Finance Committee will report a bill soon. Before it does, however, it will continue to consider a number of amendments from both sides of the aisle. In fact, the Chairman’s modified mark already incorporated amendments from both Republican and Democrat Committee members. I look forward to the Finance Committee completing its work on this crucial legislation soon. “As it does, our colleagues in the House will continue working on their own tax-reform legislation. I commend Chairman Brady and the members of the Ways and Means Committee for their efforts, and I look forward to the full House passing their bill. Once both chambers pass their tax-reform bills, we will keep working together to get a bill to President Trump’s desk for his signature. “I am also grateful to Chairman Murkowski and the members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for reporting bipartisan legislation yesterday to secure our nation’s energy future. By further exploring the responsible development of Alaska’s resources, this bill can help grow our economy, support high-paying jobs, and strengthen our national security. I look forward to promoting American energy independence through this legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-statement-on-house-passage-of-the-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,McConnell Statement on House Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.17 McConnell Statement on House Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ‘Today with House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we are one big step closer to putting more money in the pockets of millions of struggling American families so they can pay their bills, save for their future and invest for their children. I commend Speaker Paul Ryan, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and all the members of the House who have worked tirelessly to get this critical bill through their chamber.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today: “Today with House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we are one big step closer to putting more money in the pockets of millions of struggling American families so they can pay their bills, save for their future and invest for their children. I commend Speaker Paul Ryan, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and all the members of the House who have worked tirelessly to get this critical bill through their chamber.  “Through regular order and an open and transparent amendment process, the members of the Senate’s tax writing committee are also making real progress on a bill that’s been years in the making to fulfil our promise to the American people.  The tax proposals before Congress will help restore our nation’s economic growth and give our workers, families and small businesses greater confidence that the future will hold greater prosperity, more jobs and opportunity.” Related Issues: Economy, Taxes Print Email Tweet Next Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-statement-on-senator-menendez-,McConnell Statement on Senator Menendez,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.17 McConnell Statement on Senator Menendez ‘Because of the seriousness of these charges, I am calling on the Senate Ethics committee to immediately investigate Senator Menendez’s actions which led to his indictment.’ WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following statement today regarding Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ):   “Senator Menendez was indicted on numerous federal felonies.  He is one of only twelve U.S. Senators to have been indicted in our history.  His trial shed light on serious accusations of violating the public’s trust as an elected official, as well as potential violations of the Senate’s Code of Conduct. “Because of the seriousness of these charges, I am calling on the Senate Ethics committee to immediately investigate Senator Menendez’s actions which led to his indictment.”  Related Issues: History Print Email Tweet Next Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1737,"Guthrie, Aguilar Launch Bipartisan E-Commerce Caucus",2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), along with Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31), today launched the Congressional E-Commerce Caucus. This bipartisan caucus aims to explore federal policy related to the E-Commerce industry and its impacts on the American economy. The caucus will focus on four policy areas: expanding internet access, investing in infrastructure, promoting job growth and connecting buyers to sellers. “I’m honored to join my colleague Rep. Pete Aguilar to chair the Congressional E-Commerce Caucus,”said Rep. Guthrie. “What better time to start this caucus as we approach Cyber Monday, when online shopping sales are projected to top $6.6 billion? As our retail economy rapidly digitizes, it is important for Congress to consider how federal policy relates to this growing sector – whether that is ensuring reliable internet connectivity, investing in infrastructure, or promoting job growth in this industry. I look forward to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan way to focus growing our economy.” “E-Commerce businesses, from retailers to distributors, have become an integral part of the Inland Empire economy, with both corporate and individual sellers creating a competitive and accessible marketplace,”said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “With so many families in our region benefitting from the jobs created in the E-Commerce industry, I want to make sure that Congress is having discussions about how our policies impact this industry.” The E-Commerce Caucus held a launch event on November 15th that gave industry representatives the chance to meet with Rep. Aguilar and Rep. Guthrie, who will serve as co-chairs of the caucus. The co-chairs are hopeful that membership will continue to grow on a bipartisan basis.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0CA52206-D920-4C22-8966-115A9E4D9CD6,OP-ED: Lets Give Every Child a Strong Start,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Hal Rogers and Mark Shriver Children represent the poorest age group in America. According to data released in September by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 13.2 million children were living in poverty in 2016. That means, in the world’s most developed nation, one out of every three people living in poverty is a child. These kids are put at an unfair disadvantage compared to their more well off peers when it comes to education. For example, by age 4, children in poverty are as much as 18 months behind in development as other children. That’s why we’re grateful for programs working in Kentucky to help give all kids, especially those from low-income families, a strong start in life. Save the Children began its work in the United States in Kentucky communities in 1932, providing support to schoolchildren during the Great Depression. Today, the organization has a presence in 41 Kentucky communities, serving nearly 18,000 children every year. In October, we joined actress and Save the Children Trustee Jennifer Garner and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers in Clay County to visit successful early learning programs in rural Eastern Kentucky and discuss local children’s challenges at a community meeting. During our visit, we met with Kelsey and Austin, the parents of 16-month-old Ryker, a participant in Save the Children’s Early Steps to School Success Program. This critical program assists babies and young children with language, equips parents with the skills and knowledge needed to be the first and best teacher for their child, and develops strong connections between home and school. Kelsey and Austin described their excitement for Ryker’s future and spoke of their desire to give him the best start in life – and feel like they can with the help of Early Steps. They are eager to learn more about how they can help prepare Ryker for a successful start to kindergarten. We were encouraged by these parents’ willingness to help their child succeed, and are working to make sure all children have the support they need to be successful. Most of a child’s brain is developed by the time they are 5 years old, so it’s critical that all kids in the U.S. have access to high-quality early learning programs and childcare, which are key tools in breaking the cycle of poverty. Our group also visited Manchester Elementary School, where many students receive free tutoring through 21st Century Community Learning Centers-funded after-school literacy programs. As a result, a growing number of students are achieving distinguished or proficient ratings for literacy, like the little girl who proudly spoke with us about how she earned 100 percent on nearly all of her quizzes this year, and plans to continue that streak during the rest of the school year. Save the Children works in eight counties across Kentucky, and serves nearly 2,200 children in Clay County alone. Visiting the organization’s critical programs was an incredible opportunity to remind ourselves of what we know to be true – early childhood education transforms lives, especially for children living in poverty. And while that is enough reason to provide further support, our economy also benefits from early childhood programs. In fact, Nobel Prize-winning economist and University of Chicago professor James Heckman’s most recent research shows that high-quality early-childhood programs for disadvantaged children more than pay for themselves, and can provide a 13 percent return on investment per year, per child. All kids deserve an equal chance to succeed. That’s why there is tremendous value in both federal and state investments in early learning and care programs. Rep. Hal Rogers represents the Fifth District of Kentucky. Mark Shriver is Save the Children’s Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs and Advocacy. Congressman Rogers, Mark Shriver & Manchester Elementary Student Jennifer Garner and Congressman Rogers join Save the Children staff for a home visit in Clay County to see how the Early Steps program works",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=470F2895-9924-4EEC-BC35-2484A67BD136,Senate Tax Bill Repeals Obamacares Individual Mandate Tax To Provide More Middle Class Relief,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding tax legislation being considered by the Senate Finance Committee: “The need for tax reform has been obvious for a long time now. Many Republicans have said it. Many Democrats have said it. We certainly hope Democrats will continue to stand by their strong statements in support of tax reform today, because while the occupant of the Oval Office may have changed the need for tax reform certainly hasn’t. “Indeed, after many long years of an Obama economy that so often failed the middle class, its effects continue to be felt across the country for many. For single parents who still struggle to make ends meet. For moms and dads who still struggle to find a way to send their kids to college, make a car payment, or save for retirement. For small business owners who still find themselves frustrated when they try to hire more employees, reinvest in their business, or pursue their dreams. There are many obstacles to tackle. An out-of-control regulatory state, for one. We’ve taken significant action to tame that already — and we’ll continue to do so. “Another huge factor is our seriously outdated tax code. Filled with complicated schedules, worksheets, deductions, and loopholes, the code is easy for the wealthy and well-connected to game — and almost impossible for almost anyone else to understand. If you’re wealthy, you can hire accountants and lawyers to navigate a complicated process. But the young small business owner starting out can’t afford a team to do her taxes and bring on a new employee or raise wages. “Moreover, the tax code actively punishes both small businesses and the middle class with rates that are too high, provisions that are clearly outdated, and incentives that are just plain ridiculous — like the fact that it actually encourages the shipping of American jobs and businesses overseas. That’s why this Congress, in conjunction with the White House, is working so hard to pass tax reform. “Today, the Senate Finance Committee will continue to examine its tax-reform proposal. Under Chairman Hatch’s leadership, members are continuing to discuss the best path forward to deliver relief to the men and women we represent. This week’s hearings are just the latest in a years-long process to write a tax code that supports the middle class. “In fact, since Chairman Hatch has been the top Republican on the Finance Committee, it has hosted 70 hearings in the last six years. Each one of those hearings considered how to improve the tax code to make it work better for all Americans. The committee has made numerous serious efforts to engage across the aisle to get this done. Members on both sides agree that a pro-growth tax plan will move our economy forward, help create more jobs, and help families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks — or at least our Democratic friends used to, seemingly until President Trump came along. “The plan before the committee fulfills important goals that all of us should share. It aims to make taxes for families lower, simpler, and fairer. And, according to the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation and recent news reports, the ‘Middle Class [are the] biggest winners in [the] Senate tax plan….’ It also aims to make it easier for small businesses to grow, invest, and hire. For Kentucky’s small businesses and for those across the country, this proposal will help do just that by creating incentives to bring investment and jobs home and keep them here. “The plan before the Finance Committee fulfills our main goal for tax reform: taking more money out of Washington’s pockets and putting more into the pockets of the middle class. And last evening, the Committee released a modified chairman’s mark that — among other important elements— will effectively repeal Obamacare’s individual mandate tax so that we can provide even more tax relief to low- and middle-income families. “In short, the goal is to repeal an unpopular tax from an unworkable law in order to provide more tax relief to middle-class families. And now, as the committee continues its legislative markup through an open process, it will explore further ways to improve this good legislation. Both Republicans and Democrats have offered hundreds of amendments. Chairman Hatch is setting aside full days for the committee to consider them. Once the Finance Committee completes its work and reports its proposal to the Senate floor, all members will have the chance to offer their amendments under regular order. “Another Senate committee is having an important markup today as well. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is beginning its consideration of an important proposal to support good jobs, our energy future, and our national security. I would like to once again commend Chairman Murkowski and the members of the committee for their work on this proposal to further develop Alaska’s oil and natural gas potential in an environmentally responsible way. More American jobs. More American energy. More energy security and independence. I look forward to the Energy Committee reporting its legislation today.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5A634732-955A-4109-B995-7D8108128D08,Majority Leader McConnell Introduces Kentuckians at Nomination Hearing,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today before members of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of Kentuckians, Claria Horn Boom of Lexington, Rebecca Grady Jennings of Louisville, and Magistrate Judge Robert Wier of Versailles, President Trump’s nominees to serve as federal district court judges in Kentucky: “Thank you for allowing me to join you today to introduce three Kentuckians, nominated by President Trump to serve as federal district court judges in Kentucky. “I know that my colleague, Senator Paul, wishes he could be here today, but his recovery prevents him from it. However, I know that he is in strong support of each of these nominees I am about to introduce. “I would like to commend President Trump on these three impressive nominations.   “Each of these talented individuals has stellar legal credentials and deep connections to the communities they have been asked to serve, and their service will be a great benefit to Kentucky and the nation. Claria Horn Boom of Lexington “First, let me introduce Ms. Claria Horn Boom, of Lexington, to be the U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern and Western District of Kentucky. “After graduating from Transylvania University and then from Vanderbilt Law School, Ms. Boom clerked for Judge Pierce Lively of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, where she learned the characteristics of a good judge: to be fair-minded, professional, and to respect the particular role of a judge as an arbiter, not as a legislator. “As an Assistant United States Attorney for first the Western District, and then the Eastern District of Kentucky, Ms. Boom prosecuted complex fraud and financial crimes for four years. On cases from money laundering to tax fraud, she was involved in all stages of a prosecution. “At her current firm – one of the largest in the region – Ms. Boom has set herself apart. The firm Chairman, the CEO, and partners from across the firm’s footprint wrote to this Committee, stating that ‘she has distinguished herself in every possible way – a sophisticated practitioner, a model in serving clients and their needs, a devoted mentor to young lawyers, a problem solver, and a firm leader.’ “Furthermore, Judge Jennifer Coffman, the retired judge who once held this seat, wrote to this Committee that Ms. Boom, ‘is eminently qualified for the position which I once held.’ She went on to write, ‘I cannot imagine a more worthy successor.’ “With experience as both a litigator and a transactional attorney, Ms. Boom will bring a breadth of experience to the federal bench. That outlook, plus her deep ties to the legal community in Kentucky, will serve her well as a judge for both the Eastern and Western Districts. Rebecca Grady Jennings of Louisville “President Trump made history with the nomination of Ms. Rebecca Grady Jennings, of Louisville, to serve as the first woman on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. “After graduating from Emory University and then American University’s Washington College of Law, Ms. Jennings clerked for Judge William Haynes of the Middle District of Tennessee. Since coming to Kentucky, she has built strong relationships in the legal community across the Commonwealth. “As the Director and Chair of her firm’s litigation practice group, Ms. Jennings is eminently qualified to assume the role of a judge. She has experience in a wide-array of matters – from intellectual property litigation to employment litigation to class actions. “In fact, every single partner at her firm signed onto a letter not only supporting her nomination, but also highlighting her, ‘excellent reputation for her legal abilities.’ “A bipartisan group of attorneys and law professors from around Kentucky and the country also recommended Ms. Jennings’ nomination to this Committee. They wrote that, ‘although we do not necessarily share a common political or jurisprudential perspective – with Ms. Jennings or each other – we are unanimous in our unqualified enthusiasm for her nomination.’ “I have more letters of support from her clients, other lawyers in the community, and the managing director of her firm. They all share a common theme – that Ms. Jennings will make a thoughtful and principled federal judge. Magistrate Judge Robert Wier of Versailles “It is my privilege to introduce Magistrate Judge Robert Wier, of Versailles, to be the U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Judge Wier attended the University of Kentucky for his undergraduate degree and UK’s College of Law – where I also received my law degree – and he graduated first in his class. He then clerked for the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Eugene E. Siler, Jr. “During his successful career in private practice, Judge Wier developed strong relationships with his community and became a well-respected member of the bar. “Since 2006, Judge Wier has served his community as a magistrate judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. During that time, he has earned the respect of his judicial colleagues and the legal community. “A group of 87 attorneys from across Kentucky wrote a letter in support of his nomination, in which they wrote that ‘Judge Wier has demonstrated that he possesses the attributes of an outstanding jurist: being prepared, diligent, fair-minded and intelligent.’ “It’s no wonder why the judges of the Eastern District chose to unanimously reappoint him to a second term. Retired Judge Jennifer Coffman also wrote from her first-hand experience working with this nominee. ‘Judge Wier quickly impressed everyone,’ she wrote, ‘with his strong intellect, thoroughness, humility, work ethic, kind and generous spirit, and fairness.’ “Now, Judge Wier has the opportunity to continue serving his community as a U.S. District Court Judge, and I am grateful for his willingness to dedicate himself further to the people of Kentucky and this nation. “Each of these nominees also enjoys the strong support of their families, who join us here today. “Mr. Chairman, thank you, once again, for permitting me to support these three strong nominees to serve on the federal bench in Kentucky. I am confident that through today’s hearing, this Committee will find that each of them is prepared to serve this country and the Commonwealth. “I appreciate the Committee’s consideration today, and I look forward to the confirmation of each of these nominees.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=EE81ED1D-CD70-4D10-802D-99B06CA0332C,McConnell on Meeting with Presidents Nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement after meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar: “Alex and I had a productive meeting. We discussed his outlook and vision for a Department that oversees some of the nation’s most important programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, the Centers for Disease Control, and the National Institutes of Health. I also asked him to make combatting the opioid epidemic, which has devastated families across Kentucky and the nation, a top priority.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-on-meeting-with-presidents-nominee-for-secretary-of-health-and-human-services,McConnell on Meeting with Presidents Nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.15.17 McConnell on Meeting with President’s Nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services McConnell asks him to ‘make combatting the opioid epidemic, which has devastated families across Kentucky and the nation, a top priority.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement after meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar: “Alex and I had a productive meeting. We discussed his outlook and vision for a Department that oversees some of the nation’s most important programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, the Centers for Disease Control, and the National Institutes of Health. I also asked him to make combatting the opioid epidemic, which has devastated families across Kentucky and the nation, a top priority.” Related Issues: Health Care, Nominations Print Email Tweet Next Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1736,Guthrie Votes to Support Our Troops,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Brett Guthrie,G000558,guthrie.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) today released the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Today I was proud to vote for the bipartisan, bicameral National Defense Authorization Act. This bill includes the largest pay raise for our troops in eight years – great news for service members serving at Fort Knox in the Second District. With the threat of terrorism in the Middle East and around the world, is it imperative that we maintain our military’s readiness to keep us safe. To do this, the National Defense Authorization Act increases the end strength levels of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and provides for the care of servicemen and women and their families at home and abroad. The bill also makes key investments in the Department of Defense’s ability to confront threats around the world by properly equipping and training our troops. I look forward to seeing the 56th annual NDAA signed into law as soon as possible.” The National Defense Authorization Act reauthorizes the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2018.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=841A94E0-BA53-426B-AAA1-D83241045005,"Rogers Votes to Boost Military, Give Troops Largest Raise in 8 Years",2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) applauds bipartisan House passage of the conference report for the 2018 National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA), which provides nearly $700 billion to strengthen our U.S. Armed Forces, confront aggression around the world and secure the largest pay raise for military troops in eight years.  ""As we face the threat of terrorism and brutal extremists, both at home and overseas, we must rebuild and modernize our military equipment and naval fleet to shore up our national defense,"" said Rogers, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. ""This bill also provides an overdue 2.4% raise for our troops and preserves benefits for their families.""  The legislation increases the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, as well as the Air Guard. It also implements new oversight and transparency of Pentagon purchases.  The legislation has passed through both chambers of Congress and will soon head to the President's desk for his signature into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E717C033-399E-4ABF-A545-6354B15E8469,Rogers Votes to Reform Flood Insurance,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Harold Rogers,R000395,halrogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Rep. Harold ""Hal"" Rogers (KY-05) voted for the 21st Century Flood Reform Act (H.R. 2874), to improve the taxpayer-backed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), created in 1986. The legislation is a collection of seven bills approved by the Financial Services Committee to reauthorize the NFIP for five years, introduce private market competition and provide affordable coverage for policyholders.  ""In Eastern Kentucky, our communities along the Cumberland River suffered deadly and devastating flash flooding for decades before flood walls and levies were built to mitigate future damage. Still today, some of our local families and communities struggle with flood insurance costs and coverage, proving the need for insurance reform,"" said Congressman Rogers, who voted for the legislation. ""This legislation breaks up the monopoly of government flood insurance, which has operated on the backs of taxpayers to the tune of over $30 billion, yet still maintains a $1.4 billion annual deficit. Reform is necessary to cover recovery costs for flooding disasters in the future.""    The legislation will develop a Flood Damage Savings Account for individual policyholders to reduce or eliminate NFIP premiums. It also decreases the cap on annual rate increases and surcharges on low-risk properties.  It simplifies the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) process of identifying and addressing at-risk properties, while prioritizing mitigation assistance for multiple-loss properties.  The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=CA3B3CF9-9236-4ED5-8673-6BF317B844D5,Tax Reform Will Deliver Relief To Small Businesses And The Middle Class,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Congressional tax reform efforts: “Tax reform represents our best chance today to get the economy living up to its true potential – and it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The last time major tax reform happened was more than 30 years ago. In the years since, our country, our economy, and the global marketplace have changed in profound ways. “Moreover, the lingering economic challenges of the last decade only compound the urgency to get this done. Jobs went overseas. Wages didn’t grow like they should have. Hardworking families worried if they’d be able to send their kids to college, or save for retirement. “It’s clear that families and small businesses had a rough go of it during the Obama economy. They deserve relief. They deserve the chance for something better. Tax reform is an important way to help get the economy, jobs, and opportunity moving again in a serious way. “Listen to this small business owner and franchisee from Lexington, Kentucky. She recently wrote to my office expressing the need for tax reform. “‘With the rising cost of doing business,’ she wrote, ‘and the [g]overnment regulations that have been imposed on small businesses over the past several years, we desperately need tax relief and competitive rates.’ “‘The current high tax rate that I pay,’ she continued, ‘reduces the amount of earnings I can reinvest into my businesses, [into my] employees, and [into my] community.’ “For small business owners in Kentucky – and throughout the country – we want to make it easier to grow, invest, and hire. For families everywhere, we want to make taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. In short, we want to take more money out of Washington’s pockets and put more in the pockets of the middle class. That’s why we’re pursuing tax reform. “Yesterday, the Senate Finance Committee began to mark up its tax-reform legislation. The meetings this week represent the next step in a years-long campaign, which included dozens of hearings and significant input from both sides. Chairman Hatch said yesterday that, ‘First and foremost, this legislation will provide much-needed tax relief to American workers and families. It reduces rates across the board, particularly for those in the middle class who have struggled to get through the past eight years of economic stagnation.’ “And indeed, under the Finance Committee’s proposal, the typical American family of four earning the median income could see a tax cut of nearly $1,500. As these hearings continue, I would like to once again commend Chairman Hatch for his leadership of the committee and his commitment to regular order. As the tax proposal advances through an open process, members of the Finance Committee will consider many of the hundreds of amendments that have already been filed on the bill. Once the committee completes its work, the bill will come before the full Senate. “Along with our colleagues in the House, as well as President Trump and his team, we will continue to push for tax reform to fulfill important shared goals for our country. We have a lot of work ahead of us. But we are committed to getting this done for the American people. I hope that our Democratic friends join us. “As I’ve said before, until very recently, our friends on the other side of the aisle used to support many of the ideas included in this bill. The underlying ideas haven’t changed. The urgent need for tax reform hasn’t changed. The only thing that’s really changed is the occupant of the White House. So I hope that Senate Democrats can put aside partisanship and work with us in a serious way to deliver this much-needed relief to small businesses and the middle class.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D518EB97-AE1C-4AE3-84F6-B84B09B9DDCE,More Qualified And Talented Nominees Advance in Senate,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to confirm more of the president’s nominees: “In addition to the other work being done by the committees, the Senate is continuing to confirm qualified and talented nominees sent to us by the president. Yesterday, we confirmed an important official for the Department of Transportation, and today we’ll confirm another. “Then, we’ll advance the nomination of David Zatezalo to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health – a position of particular importance in my home state of Kentucky, where mining supports thousands of good jobs. “Mr. Zatezalo has spent a lifetime working in the mining industry. He began as an underground coal miner and worked his way up through the ranks to, most recently, lead a Lexington, Kentucky based mining company. He knows about various levels of the business, which will be an important asset as he works with operators, miners, and inspectors to ensure that mining operations are safe for our nation’s mineworkers. “Having begun his career as a coal miner himself, and having later managed and operated a number of mines, Mr. Zatezalo has a keen understanding of the challenges and risks sometimes associated with mining, and this firsthand experience will serve him well in his new role. “As Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, Mr. Zatezalo will be given the responsibility to reduce workplace accidents and promote safe and healthy workplaces for miners. I strongly support his nomination to serve in this role, and I ask my colleagues to join me in advancing his nomination.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E9A88E29-3116-4D68-9608-33524CBF3875,Leader McConnell Statement on Alex Azar,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.mcconnell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President Trump’s intention to nominate Alex Azar for Secretary of Health and Human Services: “Alex brings a wealth of private and public sector knowledge that will prepare him well for this crucial role. The Secretary of HHS oversees some of the nation's most important programs, including Medicare and Medicaid in addition to safeguarding public health at the Centers for Disease Control, advancing cures at The National Institutes of Health, and working through the Food and Drug Administration to get those cures to patients. “I look forward to meeting with him soon to discuss his outlook and vision for the department, particularly the opioid epidemic that has hurt so many Kentuckians and so many Americans across the country.” Background: The Senate will consider this nomination in a timely manner. Additional details regarding a confirmation hearing will be forthcoming from the committees of jurisdiction.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/leader-mcconnell-statement-on-alex-azar,Leader McConnell Statement on Alex Azar,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,KY,Mitch McConnell,M000355,www.republicanleader.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.17 Leader McConnell Statement on Alex Azar ‘Alex brings a wealth of private and public sector knowledge that will prepare him well for this crucial role.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding President Trump’s intention to nominate Alex Azar for Secretary of Health and Human Services: “Alex brings a wealth of private and public sector knowledge that will prepare him well for this crucial role. The Secretary of HHS oversees some of the nation's most important programs, including Medicare and Medicaid in addition to safeguarding public health at the Centers for Disease Control, advancing cures at The National Institutes of Health, and working through the Food and Drug Administration to get those cures to patients. “I look forward to meeting with him soon to discuss his outlook and vision for the department, particularly the opioid epidemic that has hurt so many Kentuckians and so many Americans across the country.” Background: The Senate will consider this nomination in a timely manner. Additional details regarding a confirmation hearing will be forthcoming from the committees of jurisdiction.  Related Issues: Health Care, Nominations Print Email Tweet Next Previous",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z