News

Recent Press Releases

McConnell: Airstrikes Within Syria ‘Important Steps in Defeating ISIL’

September 23, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the military strikes by the U.S. and coalition allies against ISIL within Syria:

“As part of the overall plan presented to the President last week by General Austin at U.S. Central Command headquarters, our military and coalition allies took the initial steps last night to attack targets within Syria.  These strikes against ISIL and the engagement of our regional allies are important steps in defeating ISIL and I support these ongoing efforts. The President is right to keep the country and Congress updated on military and diplomatic efforts—just as it will be important for the President to update on how the air campaign will fit into the overall strategy to destroy ISIL.”

 

Senator McConnell Comments on Hemp Crop Harvest at University of Kentucky Pilot Program

September 23, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following comments regarding the harvest of the University of Kentucky’s first hemp crop:

“I want to congratulate Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner James Comer and the University of Kentucky for today’s harvest of the hemp crop from its pilot program.  I was proud to include the measure in the Farm Bill that gave Commissioner Comer the go ahead to cultivate hemp for pilot programs, while maintaining my long-standing support for Kentucky’s law enforcement’s aggressive efforts at marijuana interdiction. I have heard from many Kentuckians who see this as a first step towards re-establishing this commodity and market for Kentucky, one that may create jobs in the future,” said Senator McConnell.

“As a young farmer, I appreciate Senator McConnell and Commissioner Comer for working to reestablish this commodity for Kentucky’s farmers. As I plan to continue my family’s farming traditions in the future, I look forward to following its development,” said Josh Hendrix, President and Founder of Kentucky Hemp Industries Association.

McConnell Urges Review of Medicare Coverage for CT Scans for Individuals at High-Risk for Developing Lung Cancer

September 22, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell contacted the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services today urging her to give a timely and fair review to determine whether low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scans should be covered by Medicare for patients at high-risk for developing lung cancer.

Senator McConnell wrote Administrator Marilyn Tavenner on behalf of his constituents who have contacted him about better treatment for preventing and treating lung cancer. In the letter, Senator McConnell wrote that “lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers in the United States. Additionally, my home state of Kentucky has the highest state mortality rate of lung cancer in the country, and the disease claims the lives of approximately 3,000 Kentuckians every year.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends CT scans be used as an early detection method by high-risk individuals – those who are aged 55 to 80 years old who have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or more. In its recommendation, the task force cited the substantial reduction in lung cancer mortality as a benefit of early detection through low-dose CT scans.

“In one way or another, cancer has touched the lives of almost every American, and ensuring Kentucky’s seniors have access to innovative diagnostic tools and treatment options should be a priority,” said Senator McConnell.

A copy of the letter is available HERE.

 

« First < Prev Next > Last »