Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) addressed the Senate today, emphasizing the importance of government funding and national security. McConnell started by acknowledging the unfinished business from the previous year and the challenges faced in delivering on basic governing responsibilities in a timely manner. He stated, "threats to U.S. national security are growing, and the Biden Administration's habit of proposing real-dollar cuts to defense funding is a streak that must end at three."

McConnell highlighted the need for the Biden Administration to start taking the long-term needs of America's national security seriously in its forthcoming budget request for fiscal year 2025. He also emphasized the importance of addressing urgent national security priorities through supplemental legislation in the coming weeks. McConnell expressed his encouragement regarding the progress made towards an agreement on meaningful border security policy, stating, "The Biden Administration's border crisis is not going to fix itself, and the status quo is unacceptable."

The Senate Republican Leader stressed the significance of comprehensive headway on border security and the interconnected nature of the threats faced by the United States. McConnell pointed out that Russia's recent attack on targets in Ukraine with ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea and the use of suicide drones provided by Iran demonstrate the support of authoritarians for other authoritarians. He highlighted the impact of these actions on America's Pacific partners such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia, stating, "what happens in Ukraine matters in their own neighborhood."

McConnell further emphasized the need for increased investment in defense capacity to address the expanding industrial base in Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. He mentioned the terrorist activities in Yemen, illustrating the wide-reaching influence of Iran's war machine. McConnell stated, "Tehran's bloody influence isn't even limited to helping train the Hamas and PIJ terrorists" and highlighted the Houthis' campaign against civilian ships in the Red Sea as an assault on the global economy.

The Senate Republican Leader criticized the Biden Administration for its approach to Iran, Russia, and China, stating that the administration has squandered deterrence against Iran, while Russia openly mocks Western support for Ukraine and China watches closely to see if America can still lead or sustain credible resistance to authoritarian violence. McConnell concluded by emphasizing the urgency of the Senate's work on supplemental national security legislation, starting at the southern border, to demonstrate America's readiness to face the challenges ahead.

In conclusion, McConnell's remarks highlighted the growing national security challenges faced by the United States and the need for a serious and comprehensive approach to address these challenges. He called for increased investment in defense capacity and meaningful border enforcement to tackle threats from countries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. McConnell emphasized the interconnected nature of these threats and the importance of the United States taking a strong stance to protect its interests and maintain global security.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=61352F8C-C51C-4069-94C9-7CF64C6B5B97