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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement today regarding reporting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations set to be released next week will mandate new coal plants to install expensive equipment or be shut down.

“The Obama Administration has been waging a War on Coal and Kentucky jobs ever since the President was elected. If these reports are accurate, his latest proposal is not only an open war on coal jobs, but on all the residents, jobs, and businesses across the commonwealth that rely on this vital industry.”

‘We remember today all those who were killed, as well as the families they left behind, with renewed sorrow. And we remember all who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty defending our freedoms since 9/11.’

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the 12th anniversary of 9/11.

“Twelve years ago, more than 100 Members of Congress from both parties stood together on the Capitol steps to show our sympathy, solidarity, and resolve.

“Those of us who were there will never forget it. And later this morning, members will gather on the same steps to remember once again those who died, and to recommit ourselves to our national ideals — together. Our nation always pulls together in the difficult moments. 9/11 showed us that. It’s important we remember it.

“So I look forward to joining congressional leaders and others out on the same steps shortly, on this day that has rightly become a very solemn one throughout our country.

“We remember today all those who were killed, as well as the families they left behind, with renewed sorrow. And we remember all who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty defending our freedoms since 9/11.

“Today, we remember the resolve we shared on a clear September morning 12 years ago.

“In the days and months that followed the attacks of 9/11, we did not cower. We took the fight to the terrorists, while here at home, we opened our doors, our wallets, and our hearts to those around us.

“We persevered. We maintained what was and is best about our country. And together, we will continue to do so as long as this struggle continues.”

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Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell praised the decision by the Food and Drug Administration today to change the labeling requirements for extended-release and long-acting opiate painkillers. Also for the first time, manufacturers of these drugs will be required to include a boxed warning on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Kentucky has seen an inundation of babies being born addicted to opiates, and they are filling hospitals around the commonwealth.

“In Kentucky the pain pill epidemic has destroyed thousands of lives and ravaged communities in all 120 counties of our Commonwealth. I continue to hear heartbreaking stories from constituents about individuals who needlessly lost loved ones to opiate drug overdose. The problem is so acute that more Kentuckians die from drug overdose than from car accidents each year,” Senator McConnell said. “Today’s announcement by the FDA is another positive step forward in efforts to fight painkiller abuse in Kentucky. I appreciate FDA Commissioner Margret Hamburg making these changes, which will better inform physicians of the risks of addiction and abuse that this class of drug poses to our communities, and ultimately help to reduce the likelihood of misuse and abuse across Kentucky.”

In addition to the label changes, FDA is requiring post-market studies to gather more information on the safety of chronic opioid use, which they say is currently unclear.

For more information on today’s decision by the FDA click here: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm367726.htm

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Recent Press Releases

McConnell Comments Prior to Administration’s Looming Regulatory Announcement

September 11, 2013

‘Sympathy, Solidarity, and Resolve’ on 9/11

September 11, 2013

McConnell Comments on FDA Label Changes for Extended-Release and Long-Acting Opiate Painkillers

September 10, 2013