Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has addressed the Senate floor regarding national security priorities, expressing hope that Democrats will recognize the commitment of Senate Republicans to address the crisis at the southern border. McConnell emphasizes that the challenges faced by the United States at home and abroad require immediate attention. He highlights the numerous attacks by Iran-backed terrorists against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria and the escalating threats from Iran's Houthi proxies against shipping vessels. McConnell asserts that Iran and its terrorist network believe they can target Americans with impunity.

McConnell criticizes leading Senate Democrats for joining a failed effort to withdraw America's presence in Syria, even in the face of an emboldened terrorist threat. He calls on his Democratic colleagues to take the threats seriously and get serious about addressing them. McConnell acknowledges that the Senate is on track to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), expressing gratitude to Ranking Member Wicker and Chairman Reed for their work in bringing this legislation forward.

The NDAA, according to McConnell, recognizes the need to strengthen America's position in strategic competition with China and authorizes investments in critical capabilities such as long-range fires and anti-ship weapons. It also focuses on modernizing the nuclear triad and enhancing the defense industrial base. McConnell highlights the importance of cooperation with Israel on future missile defense technologies and ensuring that the country can access necessary U.S. capabilities. Additionally, the NDAA includes a pay raise for America's men and women in uniform.

McConnell emphasizes that the NDAA aims to tackle national security challenges and avoid creating new ones with partisan social policies. He mentions the initiatives in his home state of Kentucky to expand production at Blue Grass Army Depot and reduce U.S. reliance on competitors for critical defense materials. McConnell acknowledges that Congress alone cannot fix the Biden Administration's perceived weakness on the world stage but emphasizes the importance of having a Commander-in-Chief who recognizes the position he holds.

McConnell criticizes President Biden for interfering in the internal politics of Israel, a democratic ally that is currently under attack from Iran-backed terrorists. He urges the President to focus on restoring real deterrence against these terrorists and providing support to Israel. McConnell concludes by expressing hope that the passage of the NDAA will mark a first step toward addressing national security challenges and calls on Congress to pass supplemental national security appropriations and full-year defense funding to ensure the investments authorized deliver real progress in making America stronger and more secure.

In summary, McConnell's remarks highlight the commitment of Senate Republicans to address national security challenges, the need to strengthen America's position in strategic competition, and the importance of supporting allies such as Israel in the face of terrorist threats.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CEDDD7C1-DC17-434F-87BE-186FEF4844BB