Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) addressed the Senate floor today regarding the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“This week, the Senate convenes with important business to address,” McConnell stated.

McConnell highlighted the significance of America’s closest allies being in town and noted that global attention is on NATO, described as "the most successful military alliance in human history." He emphasized the importance of demonstrating America's leadership and commitment to its allies during this time.

“We could show America’s most trusted friends and partners that we’re still willing to stand with them,” he said. “We could pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee reported overwhelmingly nearly a month ago.”

However, McConnell criticized Senate Democrats for not prioritizing the NDAA. “But we won’t, because the Democratic Leader has other plans,” he remarked. He accused them of focusing on "performative stunt votes" and judicial nominees instead.

McConnell pointed out that while important allies are visiting Washington, D.C., significant legislative work like the annual defense authorization is being delayed. He specifically mentioned Judge Nancy Maldonado as an example of what he termed as misplaced priorities.

“There’s a particular irony in our colleagues’ decision to put off urgent work like the annual defense authorization in favor of giving lifetime tenure to a judge with a staggering backlog of her own,” he commented.

Concluding his remarks, McConnell stressed that this week presents an opportunity for the Senate to affirm America's commitments visibly and credibly. “It’s an opportunity we can ill afford to miss,” he asserted.