Remarks
Currently showing results related to ISIL
U.S. Must Keep Helping our Partners Fight Terrorists in Iraq
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Iraq: "Next week, President Biden is set to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. "This meeting comes at an important moment for our shared efforts toward peace and security in Iraq and the region. ISIS has been significantly weakened in Iraq and Syria after years of shared efforts, but the terrorist organization remains a grave threat. "And … Continue Reading
11.16.20
Premature Afghanistan Exit Would Jeopardize Trump Administration’s Record of Success
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the ongoing presence of U.S. forces in the Middle East to combat terrorism: "The last several days have brought renewed speculation about the prospect of rapidly withdrawing all U.S. military forces from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. "Here in Congress, a small minority in both parties seem to think it is in America's power to unilaterally resolve conflicts b… Continue Reading
06.03.20
“The Foreign Actors Who Seek to Harm the United States Have Not Let Up While We Attend to Other Problems”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Afghanistan: "Make no mistake: The foreign actors who seek to harm the United States have not let up while we attend to other problems. "For example, in Afghanistan, despite agreeing just months ago to engage in further peace negotiations with the Afghan government and sever its ties with al-Qaeda, the Taliban has instead continued its violent campaign again… Continue Reading
10.31.19
While Democrats Focus on Impeachment, Republicans Focus on Funding Our Troops
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the need to fund our armed forces and the House impeachment inquiry resolution: "Later today we're going to vote on something that should not be controversial: Funding for our national defense. For supporting servicemembers and their families. For sustaining America's global leadership and strategic edge. "This vital priority is not something that can take a… Continue Reading
10.30.19
Democrats Threaten to Block Funding for Our Servicemembers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the need to fund our armed forces: "Tomorrow the Senate will vote on funding for the national defense. It will offer a test for our Democratic colleagues: Will their party's impeachment obsession crowd out even the most basic governing responsibilities? "And unfortunately, it seems we may already have our answer. The Democratic Leader, Senator Schumer, said … Continue Reading
10.28.19
McConnell Praises Intelligence Community, Brave U.S. Forces, and President Trump for Bringing ISIS Leader to Justice
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the death of ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: "On Sunday morning, we woke up to a better and safer world because one monster was no longer in it. "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was the founder and leader of ISIS. In recent years, that made him the single most important target in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism. His band of fanatics has committed heinous… Continue Reading
10.15.19
McConnell on Turkish Escalation: ‘This Violence Needs To End’
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the situation in Syria: "I know I speak for many of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle in expressing my grave concern at the events that have unfolded in Syria in recent days. "Turkey is our NATO ally. Yes, it hosts millions of Syrian refugees and has legitimate security concerns about the situation in Syria. But Turkey's escalation of hostilities with… Continue Reading
03.26.19
Leader McConnell Speaks at AIPAC Policy Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference today. The following are Leader McConnell's remarks as delivered: "Pretty tough act to follow. Good morning everyone. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here once again. Every time I have the privilege to address this conference, I look forward to the size and enthusiasm of this crowd. And you all never disappoint. That's a t… Continue Reading
01.31.19
Senate Democrats Continue Foreign Policy Debate Obstruction
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act that he introduced with Senators Rubio, Risch and Gardner, and obstruction from Senate Democrats: "Earlier this week, Senate Democrats stopped filibustering the important legislation before us. They finally joined Republicans and voted to advance these measures to renew our commitment to Israel, deepen our coop… Continue Reading
01.30.19
Senate Democrats Still Trying to Block Crucial Foreign Policy Debate
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act that he introduced with Senators Rubio, Risch and Gardner, and obstruction from Senate Democrats: "As I've discussed several times, the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act is a consequential legislative package that would strengthen vital partnerships and reaffirm our active role in matters … Continue Reading
03.20.18
Sanders Resolution on Yemen Would Harm Allies, Embolden Iran
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding his opposition to the Sanders Resolution, and the Senate's vote this afternoon: "Later today, the Senate will vote on a resolution offered by the junior Senators from Vermont and Utah. Their goal is to end U.S. support for the Saudi Arabian-led coalition fighting the Houthi insurgency in Yemen. And they propose to do this using provisions of the War Powers Re… Continue Reading
11.01.17
'Our Fellow Americans In New York’
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the terror attack that took place yesterday in Manhattan: "Yesterday's attack in Manhattan was sickening, twisted, and heartbreaking. The suspect appears to have been inspired by ISIL. We know that in the days ahead our intelligence community will make every effort to learn more about him, and whether he had any connection to this terror group and its hateful ideology. "But… Continue Reading
09.21.16
McConnell: The United States Must Live Up to Its Commitments
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today in support of the United States' commitment to assist Saudi Arabia in combating al Qaeda and ISIL: "Today the Senate will consider a motion to discharge a resolution of disapproval from the Foreign Relations Committee. "I oppose that motion because I believe it would harm our nation's long term strategic interests in the Persian Gulf and the broader Middle East. It would fu… Continue Reading
09.07.16
McConnell: Inexcusable that Senate Democrats Continue to Block National Defense and Anti-Zika Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today after Senate Democrats once again blocked the compromise conference report for anti-Zika efforts and support for our national defense, veterans: "Last night, Senate Democrats blocked critical funding - for veterans, for pregnant mothers and babies, and for service members. It's not the first or the even the second time they've put partisan politics ahead of the health and saf… Continue Reading
09.06.16
McConnell Urges Senate Democrats to Stop Blocking Support for National Defense and Anti-Zika Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today encouraging Senate Democrats to stop blocking the compromise conference report for anti-Zika efforts and veterans funding, and the defense appropriations bill: "I want to welcome colleagues back from what I know was a productive state work period. I'm sure I speak for us all when I say that traveling to our states and meeting with those we represent is one of the best parts of… Continue Reading
07.14.16
Senate Democrats Put Partisan Politics Before Veterans, Servicemembers, Families
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today urging Senate Democrats to support the authorization and funding for our national defense: "As every colleague knows, there are two types of bills necessary to fund our military. First is the defense authorization bill, which authorizes the many things our military needs. Democrats voted with us to pass that important bill last month. Second is the defense appropriations bill,… Continue Reading
06.14.16
McConnell: ‘We Need to Defeat, Not Contain, ISIL’
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today urging passage of the National Defense Authorization Act and the need to defeat ISIL: "The terrorist attack in Orlando continues to horrify our country. The FBI and our intelligence community will determine whether that terrorist was in direct contact with ISIL or inspired by ISIL. "Either way, this much we know already. ISIL is a disgusting group that crucifies children, ensl… Continue Reading
06.13.16
McConnell on Orlando Attack: We Won’t Back Down in the Face of Terrorism
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida and the need to defeat ISIL: "Above this Capitol, the American flag flies at half-staff. A symbol of national sorrow-for lives taken far too soon. A symbol of national solidarity-for families left behind, plunged into despair. "ISIL claims the terrorist who committed this horrific act is 'one of the soldiers of the caliphate.' … Continue Reading
04.07.16
McConnell Pays Tribute to American Couple Killed in Terrorist Attack
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the deaths of Stephanie and Justin Shults during the terrorist attacks in Brussels: "I was deeply saddened by the death of Lexington, Kentucky native Stephanie Moore Shults, 29, who, along with her husband Justin Shults, 30, was killed in the terrorist attacks in Brussels last month. Funeral services for the young couple will be held in Lexington tomorrow. "Stephanie Shul… Continue Reading
04.04.16
We Must Work With Our Allies to Fight Terrorism
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today that America must continue to work to defeat a global terrorist threat: "In recent weeks we have again been reminded of the pervasive threat posed by Islamist terrorists to the world. We've seen ghastly images in places as diverse as Brussels, Yemen, and Lahore. "Attacks seem to be coming nearly weekly now; it feels like we hear of a new one almost every time we flip on the news. … Continue Reading