Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell addressed the Senate floor, emphasizing the urgency of passing significant legislation before the year's end. He criticized the current delay in approving key bills, particularly focusing on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and government funding.

"The Senate has three weeks to complete some of the most important business of the year," McConnell stated. He expressed dissatisfaction with how December is being used for crucial legislative decisions, calling it "December drama" and stressing that this approach does not reflect serious governance.

McConnell highlighted that urgent assistance is needed for states affected by recent natural disasters, but emphasized that predictable assignments like NDAA and government funding are overdue. He praised the Armed Services Committee's efforts led by Ranking Member Wicker, which secured bipartisan support for increased topline authorization back in June.

He pointed out that despite timely preparation by committees, including work from Republicans under Vice Chair Collins to increase national defense funding, these initiatives have stalled. McConnell attributed this to a lack of agenda-setting power held exclusively by the Majority Leader.

Referencing national security concerns, he quoted a previous statement by the Majority Leader about U.S. readiness to compete with China, stating that national security experts largely disagree with this assessment. McConnell argued that neglecting critical national security legislation undermines American readiness and resolve.

He further noted that due to delays, the full Senate could not address its stance on NDAA effectively. This forced negotiations from a weaker position against lower defense spending proposals from the House. Similar challenges were faced in Defense appropriations efforts led by Vice Chair Collins.

McConnell reiterated Ranking Member Wicker's view on repairing America's military and rebuilding its defense industrial base as pressing issues needing attention. Concluding his remarks, he underscored that finishing urgent business in December should not be seen as an achievement but rather an end to an avoidable delay.