Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) addressed the Senate floor today, focusing on national security priorities and U.S. relations with repressive regimes.

“I’ve repeatedly warned colleagues on both sides against setting aside America’s interests in pursuit of closer relations with foreign leaders who they think share their values,” McConnell stated.

He criticized the Paris climate deal, asserting that it benefits China and Russia at the expense of American energy production. “Punishing America for producing affordable, reliable, and abundant energy was welcome news to China, the world’s leading emitter of carbon… and to Russia, which would weaponize Europe’s own reliance in due course.”

McConnell also cautioned Republicans about supporting Hungary's ruling party due to its ties with China, Russia, and Iran. “Legitimizing Victor Orban’s reckless obeisance to China, Russia, and Iran is not in America’s interests.”

Addressing Iran specifically, McConnell argued for strong measures against what he termed "the world’s most active state sponsor of terror." He emphasized that weakening sanctions in exchange for promises on nuclear proliferation does not serve U.S. strategic interests.

“The only way to achieve measurable improvements to the security of America’s interests in Iran’s backyard is to change Iran’s calculus,” he said. He urged for more collaboration between the United States and its allies to apply pressure on Tehran.

McConnell highlighted human rights abuses by Tehran's regime. “Today is the second anniversary of the beating, detention, and murder of Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police.” He noted ongoing protests by Iranian women against repressive laws and mentioned political prisoners on hunger strikes.

Turning his attention to Afghanistan, McConnell condemned new restrictions under Taliban rule. “A new ‘vice and virtue law’ amounts to an even more severe crackdown on education for Afghan girls,” he remarked.

He criticized President Biden's administration for its handling of Taliban resurgence. “Recall that, as the Taliban surged back into power in Kabul, President Biden insisted that ‘human rights will be the center of our foreign policy.’”

McConnell questioned the administration's commitment to alleviating burdens faced by Afghan women and girls and expressed skepticism about its counterterrorism strategy. “I wonder whether it thinks its confidence in so-called ‘over-the-horizon’ counterterrorism has paid off.”

He concluded by questioning why any patience with the Taliban would align with America's interests or values.