Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) addressed the Senate floor today, focusing on national security priorities.

“I’ve said frequently that the single most important, immediate objective for the free world right now is a Russian defeat in Ukraine,” McConnell stated. He emphasized that this goal is not solely about trans-Atlantic security or economic interests but also about degrading a major adversary’s military strength and demonstrating how the free world values sovereignty.

McConnell highlighted the interconnected nature of global security threats: “Our adversaries are working more closely together to undermine the American-led order. And allowing one threat to fester makes every other one a taller order.”

He referenced the final report from the independent, bipartisan Commission on the National Defense Strategy, which warns of a potential multi-theater or global war due to new alignments of nations opposed to U.S. interests.

McConnell expressed concern over America's preparedness for such conflicts: “Too many in Washington seem to think America can just opt out of facing such a challenge. But our enemies get a vote, too.”

He pointed to recent aggressive actions by China’s military as evidence of Beijing's willingness to use hard power against its neighbors and test American resolve. Specifically, he mentioned violent confrontations initiated by Chinese naval forces in disputed waters near the Philippines.

“The PRC’s naval forces launched a violent confrontation in disputed waters that Beijing clearly hopes to turn into a Chinese lake,” McConnell noted, detailing attacks on Philippine resupply vessels and harassment of sailors.

McConnell drew parallels between China's actions and those of Russia and Iran: “Just as Russia is using force to redraw European borders... Just as Iran is using force to sow chaos... The People’s Republic of China is engaged in a concerted effort to expand its control over maritime commerce well beyond its borders.”

He called for increased support for allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region: “It’s high time to do more to help our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific reconfigure and strengthen their defenses against the PRC’s maritime threat.”

McConnell concluded with another quote from the National Defense Strategy Commission: “‘The United States faces the most significant national security threats since the height of the Cold War... We are not prepared to meet those threats.’”

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