Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered a speech on the Senate floor addressing the growing national security threats facing the United States and its allies. McConnell began by highlighting the recent terrorist attacks on October 7th, which intensified anti-Semitic hatred worldwide. He specifically mentioned alarming reports from Russia, a country with a troubled history of anti-Semitism.

Describing a disturbing incident, McConnell stated, "After weeks of pro-Hamas propaganda, an angry mob in Russia overran a provincial airport and targeted individuals based on their religion. It was a modern-day pogrom in southern Russia." He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for not condemning Hamas for their acts of savagery against innocent Israelis. McConnell also highlighted the fact that while this anti-Semitic episode unfolded in Russia, Putin welcomed a delegation of Hamas terrorists to the Kremlin.

McConnell then turned his attention to the larger issue of Russia's support for Iran and its terrorist network in the Middle East. He stated, "No major power has done more to turbocharge Iran's terrorist network than Putin's Russia. The Kremlin's intervention in Syria has allowed Tehran to establish a massive corridor of resources to terrorist proxies like Hizballah and Hamas." He further emphasized Russia's role in providing Iran with kamikaze drones to be used against Ukrainian cities.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of the threats facing the United States and its allies, McConnell pointed out that Russia, Iran, and China may not share the same ideology but they do share common interests. He stated, "They see themselves in conflict with the West, and especially with America." McConnell explained that Russia would like to see Iranian-backed terrorists weaken America and its allies, while Iran seeks a Russian victory against Ukraine to deepen its defense cooperation with Moscow. China, on the other hand, would like to see America's resolve crumble.

McConnell criticized the Biden Administration's defense budget requests for failing to address these growing threats. He acknowledged that the President's supplemental request to address multiple crises is a recognition of this failure. McConnell called on the Appropriations Committee to provide critical resources to the military and defense industrial base to keep pace with the growing threats and support international partners.

In addition to addressing international threats, McConnell urged Congress to address the crisis at the southern border. He stated, "The southern border crisis is not a problem of insufficient resources. It is the direct result of misguided policies that have incentivized record illegal migration." McConnell emphasized that fixing this problem does not require large amounts of funding but rather common sense.

McConnell concluded his remarks by urging Democratic colleagues to work with Republicans to stop the border crisis, rebuild American military strength, and stand with allies such as Ukraine, Israel, and Asia.

In summary, McConnell's speech highlighted the serious and intertwined threats facing the United States and its allies. He called for action to address these threats, including providing resources to the military, addressing the southern border crisis, and standing with international partners.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CD44994B-233B-485C-B7A1-E69C8F5D573E