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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Tuesday regarding the President’s announcement of his intent to nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court:

“Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law even-handedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences.

“Our Democratic colleagues have often remarked that the Senate is not a ‘rubber stamp.’ Accordingly, we trust they will ensure there is adequate time to prepare for this nomination, and a full and fair opportunity to question the nominee and debate her qualifications.”

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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Friday honoring the members of our Armed Forces on this Memorial Day:

“This Memorial Day, Americans everywhere honor the men and women in uniform who have laid down their lives in defense of our freedom. It is only right that we set aside one day a year to remember the sacrifices of those who have given us so much.

“Memorial Day began as a tradition nearly 150 years ago, as a way of honoring those brave Americans who had died in battle. Today, those so honored include the members of our Armed Forces who have fought and died in Afghanistan and Iraq. Any soldier who fought under the American flag, we remember today.

“Kentuckians understand the importance of this day more than most. We have a proud tradition of service, thanks to our state’s military bases and the many brave members of the Kentucky National Guard. Since September 11, 2001, more than 80 Kentuckians have been lost fighting for their country.

“I’ve met with many of the family members of those soldiers, sailors and Marines who never returned home. I’ve let them know that their loved ones will not be forgotten by this country. Memorial Day is an opportunity for all of us to let them know that Kentucky will honor its own.

“So this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the extraordinary sacrifices of so many Americans who fought for their flag and their country. We should be honored to share this land with such brave heroes. Thank you.”

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‘So I hope the President uses his remarks this morning to present a concrete plan that demonstrates how closing Guantanamo will keep Americans as safe as Guantanamo has… If he isn’t able to provide specifics about his plan for terrorist detainees at Guantanamo, he could still provide this assurance by simply revising his policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the President’s speech on Guantanamo later this morning and the threats and legal questions posed by bringing Guantanamo detainees to the United States:

“A little later this morning, the President will discuss his decision to close Guantanamo by an arbitrary deadline that is now only eight months away.

“It’s clear to both Republicans and Democrats in Congress that the administration does not currently have a plan for closing Guantanamo, and that closing it without a plan is unacceptable.

“So I hope the President uses his remarks this morning to present a concrete plan that demonstrates how closing Guantanamo will keep Americans as safe as Guantanamo has.

“We know the FBI has serious concerns about any plans to release or transfer other detainees into the United States.

“Just yesterday, FBI Director Mueller said detainees who are sent to U.S. soil, even if they are only sent to secure detention facilities, might still be able to conduct terrorist activities, much like gang leaders who’ve been able to run their gangs from prison.

“Director Mueller also stated that detainees released or transferred into the United States could endanger the American people by radicalizing others or providing financial support for terrorism.

“Director Mueller’s testimony appears to undermine the claim that sending detainees to the United States is a safe alternative to Guantanamo.

“And yesterday, the Senate spoke with near unanimity, by a vote of 90 to 6, against sending terrorist detainees to U.S. soil — a vote that mirrored a vote two years ago on the same question.

“The Senate also expressed its view yesterday that Congress expects its relevant committees to be briefed on the threat posed by the terrorists at Guantanamo.

“So it’s clear that Senate Democrats don’t believe circumstances have changed over the past two years in such a way that would warrant releasing or transferring terrorists into America.

“If the President believes circumstances have changed, then he has an opportunity to explain those changes this morning.

“The American people are asking the administration to guarantee that any terrorist it releases or transfers won’t return to the battlefield.

“This is particularly urgent in light of a New York Times report this morning that says one in seven detainees already released have returned to terrorism.

“The President has an opportunity to reassure the American people that future releases won’t lead to the same result.

“If he isn’t able to provide specifics about his plan for terrorist detainees at Guantanamo, he could still provide this assurance by simply revising his policy.

“The President has shown adaptability on military commissions, prisoner photos, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

“Here’s an opportunity to show more of that flexibility on Guantanamo.”

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Recent Press Releases

McConnell Statement on Judge Sonia Sotomayor

May 26, 2009

MEMORIAL DAY 2009

May 22, 2009

The President has an Opportunity to Show Flexibility on Guantanamo

May 21, 2009