Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor today, criticizing Senate Democrats for their handling of legislative priorities during the summer session.

"The Senate is preparing to leave town for the August state work period. But there’s no mistaking that our most important business here in Washington remains unfinished," McConnell stated.

He highlighted what he termed "show votes" orchestrated by the Democratic leadership in June, suggesting they were aimed at scoring political points rather than addressing pressing issues. "In June, the Democratic Leader called up a series of show votes, spending precious floor time on what Senate Democrats seem to have thought would be political home-runs. Instead, they gave Republicans the opportunity to reiterate our support for Americans hoping to start families," he remarked.

McConnell also criticized the confirmation of judicial nominees, singling out Nancy Maldonado, recently appointed to the 7th Circuit. He described her as a judge known for poor time management and inefficiency. "Take Nancy Maldonado, unfortunately now a federal judge on the 7th Circuit. This is a judge infamous for letting her work pile up and blaming her clerks for her lack of time management," he said.

The Senator emphasized that significant legislative items remain unaddressed, including the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Farm Bill, and annual appropriations. He noted that while some appropriations have been drafted for fiscal year 2025, other critical bills like the Farm Bill are yet to be formulated.

"Our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee reported the NDAA by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote over a month ago. But so far, the Democratic Leader hasn’t come close to putting this must-pass authorizing legislation right here on the floor," McConnell observed.

McConnell concluded his remarks by stressing that urgent national security and agricultural priorities remain unmet due to perceived procrastination by Senate Democrats: "Mr. President, the American people sent us here to do a job. And a show-vote summer can’t hide the fact that Senate Democrats’ majority isn’t earning its keep."

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