Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spoke on the Senate floor today about the pressing national security priorities facing the United States. McConnell emphasized the need for strong border security, calling attention to the alarming increase in illegal immigration since President Biden took office.

McConnell stated, "This week, Senator Lankford and several colleagues will continue their work to finalize the most substantial border security policy in thirty years." He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that there have been over 6.7 million encounters with illegal immigrants since President Biden's inauguration, with December 2023 seeing the highest monthly total for border encounters on record.

The Republican leader criticized the Biden administration's approach to border security, stating, "The President’s open borders have meant booming business for the cartels who specialize in trafficking humans and smuggling drugs… And far harsher realities for American communities grappling with lethal fentanyl and the thousands of people who have died trying to cross." McConnell stressed that this is a crisis, regardless of whether or not Washington Democrats acknowledge it.

McConnell also addressed the importance of America's global responsibilities and the need to address national security challenges on multiple fronts. He highlighted the threat of authoritarian aggression in Europe and expressed concern over the delayed response from the Biden administration. McConnell stated, "America’s allies looked to us to lead by example. To deliver decisive capabilities to Ukraine. And to step up investments in upgrading our arsenal and expanding our capacity to stock it."

The Republican leader emphasized that American adversaries, such as China and Iran, are not behaving as though they fear American strength. He raised concerns about China's regional bullying and Iran's undeterred actions despite the Biden administration's policies. McConnell criticized the administration's approach to dealing with Iran and its terrorist proxies, stating, "The terrorists enjoy watching the Administration henpeck America’s closest ally in the region and attempt to constrain Israel’s response to their barbaric violence."

McConnell concluded his remarks by highlighting the tragic consequences of the failure of American deterrence. He mentioned the recent deaths of two Navy SEALs during operations to interdict Iranian weapons and the ongoing attacks by terrorists against American personnel in Iraq and Syria. McConnell posed essential questions about American national security and called on the Senate to take action.

"Will we act to secure America’s sovereign borders and help our friends fighting for theirs?" McConnell asked. "Will we equip U.S. forces and our allies to meet aggression with overwhelming deterrent strength? Will we invest seriously in the cutting-edge capabilities and expanded capacity necessary to outpace our top strategic adversary?"

In closing, McConnell urged the Senate to answer these questions in the affirmative, emphasizing the need to address national security challenges with American strength.