Remarks
McConnell Comments on Amtrak Derailment
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Amtrak derailment: "Many of us awoke to terrible news this morning. We're still awaiting more information about what happened near Philadelphia. But we know this tragedy will touch the lives of many. The Senate sends its condolences to the victims, those who were injured, and their families and loved ones. We also reaffirm our gratitude to our nation's first responde… Continue Reading
05.13.15
Path Forward on Bipartisan Trade Bill ‘Still on the Table,’ Says McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today urging Senate Democrats to stop blocking a bipartisan discussion on a 21st century American trade agenda: "It was quite something to watch President Obama's party vote to filibuster his top domestic legislative priority yesterday. "It left pretty much everyone scratching their heads. "The Democrat Leader made clear yesterday that he was not interested in debating the 'merits of th… Continue Reading
05.12.15
McConnell: Door Remains Open for a Path Forward on Bipartisan Trade Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Senate Democrats filibuster of a bipartisan trade bill: "What we just saw here is pretty shocking. "There are always limits to what can be accomplished when the American people choose divided government. "But it doesn't mean Washington shouldn't work toward bipartisan solutions that make sense for our country. "Trade offers a perfect opportunity to do just that. "We on… Continue Reading
05.12.15
McConnell Urges Senate to Begin Debate on Bipartisan Trade Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor urging Senators to start debate on a 21st Century American trade agenda: "The Senate will have the opportunity this afternoon to open the legislative process for a broad, 21st Century American trade agenda. "Let me remind Senators that the vote we're taking today is not a vote to approve or disprove of Trade Promotion Authority. In fact, the bill we'd be voting to proceed to is simply … Continue Reading
05.11.15
McConnell Discusses Senate Getting Back to Work, Previews Trade and Iran Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding an active Senate: "I took a trip up to Boston this weekend to address the Kennedy Institute. It was a unique experience. "I was there - in a full-scale representation of the Senate chamber - to discuss how the real Senate is beginning to get back to work. "I explained how committees are working again, so Senators can have more of a stake in the legislative process. "I expla… Continue Reading
05.07.15
Tribute to Don Ritchie, Senate Historian
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today celebrating the career of Don Ritchie: "I'd like to bid a fond farewell to one of the smartest guys around here, Don Ritchie, who will be leaving us later this month. "He's been the Senate's Historian since 2009. "Don's only the second one we've ever had. His immediate - and only - predecessor, Richard Baker, hired him when the Senate Historical Office came into being in the mi… Continue Reading
05.07.15
Passage of Bipartisan Trade Bill Would Enhance U.S. Economic Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act: "On the topic of aggressive campaigns in pursuit of expansion and intimidation, there are several other countries that come to mind around the world. "China, for one. "China is determined to dominate its neighbors. "China wants to diminish American influence in the Pacific. "And China wants to substitu… Continue Reading
05.07.15
Passage of Iran Bill Would Give Congress a Chance to Review Iran Nuke Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today emphasizing the importance of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act: "It's good to see that the Senate will soon be passing another important piece of bipartisan legislation. "The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act offers the best chance for our constituents, through the Congress they elect, to weigh in on the White House's negotiations with Iran. "And make no mistake, they need to… Continue Reading
05.06.15
McConnell Calls for Senate Passage of Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor calling for Senators to pass the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act: "The Senate is now nearing completion of the bipartisan Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. This is a bipartisan bill based on an important principle: that the American people, through the Congress they elect, deserve a say on one of the most important issues of our time. "It would require that any agreement reached with… Continue Reading
05.06.15
Bipartisan Trade Bill a Boon to American Farmers, Manufacturers, Small Business Owners
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act: "Once we do pass the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, the Senate will take up another measure designed to hold the Administration accountable: the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act. "This bipartisan bill is about a lot more than just expanding Congress' oversight authority th… Continue Reading
05.05.15
Senate to Turn to Bipartisan Trade Legislation after Iran Bill, McConnell Says
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act: "Once the budget is approved, we'll continue our work on the bipartisan Iran bill. "Then, it's my hope to turn to another bipartisan measure: the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act. "This bill would enhance Congress' role in the trade process while ensuring Presidents of eithe… Continue Reading
05.05.15
Senate to Pass Balanced Budget Conference Report Today
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the first balanced budget in over a decade: "Today, not only will Congress pass a budget for the first time in six years, it will pass a balanced budget for the first time in recent memory. "This is something many Americans have been waiting a long time to see. It's something they deserve. And it's just the latest example of a new Congress that's back to work - back to work o… Continue Reading
04.30.15
Bipartisan Senate Iran Bill Provides an Opportunity to Review the Interim Nuclear Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today emphasizing the importance of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act: "The Senate will soon resume consideration of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. I expect we'll consider several amendments today, and I continue to encourage Senators to come to the floor and offer them. "The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act is bipartisan legislation that will ensure Congress and the Ameri… Continue Reading
04.30.15
Senate to Vote on Balanced Budget Conference Report Next Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the congressional budget: "I was glad to see yesterday's announcement of a budget conference agreement. That means Congress is now one step closer to passing a balanced budget that supports a healthier economy, funds national defense, strengthens Medicare, and begins to tackle our debt problems without taking more money from hardworking Americans. "It's a balanced budget that… Continue Reading
04.29.15
McConnell Welcomes Japanese PM Abe, Calls for Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor welcoming Prime Minister Shino Abe: "Later this morning, we'll welcome an important friend of the United States to the Capitol: Shinzo Abe, Japan's Prime Minister. "I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say. I know many of my colleagues feel the same way. "Because Prime Minister Abe doesn't just lead one of the most important countries and economies in the Asia-Pacific region … Continue Reading
04.23.15
Trade Promotion Authority Enhances Congressional Role in Trade Agreements
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Trade Promotion Authority legislation: "Last night, we saw the latest example of committees getting back to work in a new Congress that's back to work for the American people. "The Finance Committee passed an important bipartisan bill, Trade Promotion Authority, with broad support from both parties: 20 to 6. "The Chairman and Ranking Members of that Committee, Senators Hatch… Continue Reading
04.23.15
McConnell Promises ‘Vigorous Debate’ on Interim Iran Nuke Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act: "Now, on the subject of committees getting back to work in the new Congress, we witnessed more evidence of that last week when the Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved the bipartisan Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. It's a bipartisan bill with many Republican and Democrat cosponsors, and it will ensure the American people ar… Continue Reading
04.21.15
McConnell Announces Agreement To End Delay on Anti-Slavery Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor announcing a bipartisan path forward on the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act: "President Obama recently proclaimed this to be National Crime Victims' Rights Week. "It's a stark reminder of the countless victims of modern slavery who continue to suffer horrifying exploitation at the hands of human traffickers - a stark reminder of the need to pass the Justice for Victims of Traffi… Continue Reading
04.16.15
CRS Debunks Senate Democrats’ Rationale for Filibustering Anti-Slavery Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor calling on Senate Democrats to end their filibuster of bipartisan anti-trafficking legislation: "Human trafficking affects every state in this nation. "In Kentucky, we've heard reports of victims as young as 2 months old… "We've heard about a Kentuckian who said she was sold for sex from the age of 5 until she was able to physically break free as an adult.… Continue Reading
04.14.15
Busy Senate Agenda Includes Important Domestic, National Security Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor previewing the busy Senate agenda: "This week looks to be a busy one in the Senate. "We've got a lot of important legislation to consider. We're hoping our friends across the aisle will work with us to do so in an expeditious manner. "For instance: "We'll begin the process of finishing our work on the balanced budget the Senate passed just before Easter. "Passing that balanced budget w… Continue Reading