News

Recent Press Releases

McConnell: Put Politics Aside

January 24, 2007

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement on Wednesday after the Senate Democrats blocked U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg’s A Second Look at Wasteful Spending amendment from coming to a vote:

“I’m disappointed that our Democratic colleagues promised a new way of working together, yet blocked a commonsense fiscal measure designed to do just that. Twenty Democrats currently in the Senate supported a similar measure when it was proposed in 1995, yet today they refused to allow even a simple yes-or-no vote.



“Americans demanded reform and we owe it to them. If we are going to continue to pass real reforms, must put politics aside and get to work.”



###

Republican Leader Previews State of the Union Address

January 23, 2007

McConnell: “Now is the time for solving the big issues”



Washington DC – In advance of President Bush’s State of the Union Address, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called on his colleagues to build on their early legislative successes by working together to address a number of issues that are important to the American people.



In the State of the Union Address, President Bush will address the big issues facing our Nation, including terrorism and homeland security, energy independence, affordable health care, comprehensive immigration reform, economic security and saving Social Security.



“Like the President, I believe that now is the time for solving the big issues; divided government is often the best time for solutions to complex problems. Issues like reforming Social Security, energy independence, and immigration reform and border security demand action. And on the issue of Iraq, it is my hope, and my challenge to my colleagues, that our debate will be based on what is best for the future of our nation and for Iraq, not what's best for a political party or presidential campaign.”



Terrorism and Homeland Security



“America has not seen a domestic terrorist attack since we committed ourselves to the global war on terror. That is not an accident, some quirk of fate. Rather, it is due to the hard work of spotting and disrupting threats before they strike.



“The indisputable success of these efforts is the greatest argument we have to continue to support them — and to make sure those who secure the homeland are fully equipped to continue the outstanding work they have done.



“This policy has worked — and we must ensure that it continues to work by giving the men and women who carry out that mission every day all the tools they need.”



Energy Independence



“Our nation’s security depends on secure borders and a strong fighting force. It also depends on energy independence. So we must continue to work hard to decrease our reliance on foreign sources of energy.



“We laid a solid foundation during the last Congress, with passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and, just last month, with the enactment of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. Both measures were passed with bipartisan support, and both will decrease our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and gas.



“There is more that we can and should do both to increase domestic supply and decrease our demand for foreign energy. The United States has an abundance of coal and remains a leader in nuclear technology. We should focus attention on using these natural resources safely, cleanly, and efficiently.”



Affordable Health Care



“This Congress needs to work together to make health care more affordable and more accessible for American families. One way to do that is to change the current tax code. By allowing Americans to take a generous standard deduction for health insurance, we will encourage more participation -- and drive down prices in the bargain. This, in turn, would allow more people to buy their health insurance directly, giving them the freedom to control where, how, and how much, they spend.”



Comprehensive Immigration Reform



“Immigration and border security are some of the most pressing issues of our day. We should act on it soon. Americans demand it. We have a duty to deliver.



“Americans are generous, eager to welcome strangers and happy when they prosper. Yet we know the blessings of liberty depend on respect for the law and a common national culture. We can ensure both even as we welcome those who come here looking for a better life.



“Laws that are generous need not be lax. And a country that is not secure at its borders is not secure in its laws. Border security and other law enforcement professionals must have the tools they need to keep our borders — and our laws — strong.”



Economic Security



“Fiscal responsibility is more than a campaign slogan. If we are serious about reform, we must take the steps necessary to connect fiscal rhetoric with fiscal reality. I call on colleagues to pass Senator Judd Gregg’s Second Look at Wasteful Spending Act, and use those savings to help balance the budget.”



Saving Social Security



“And finally, Social Security is another issue on which Americans demand action. More than 77 million Americans will retire over the next two decades, leaving two workers to support each retiree. In 1950, there were 16 workers for every beneficiary. By doing nothing, we will essentially be asking young people to work twice as hard or seniors to live half as well. We should face the situation head on instead, and make sure this program exists well into the future, by making the reforms necessary to save Social Security.”



Senate Republican Leader McConnell will have further comments following the President’s State of the Union Address.



###

Senate Republican Leader Comments on President's State of the Union Address

January 23, 2007

McConnell: Together We Can Tackle the Big Issues



Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement Tuesday after the President’s State of the Union Address:



“The President’s bold, specific challenge to the Congress is to work together to tackle the big issues facing our nation. And I believe we can find big solutions to big problems, but only if the debate is aimed at accomplishment over political gain. A stable Iraq that is an ally in the war on terror, Social Security and Medicare reform, energy independence, and a commonsense approach to border security and immigration reform are just a few of the top issues we are facing. I believe we have the rare opportunity to find bold solutions for many of these issues, and I take up the President’s challenge to set an ambitious course for our country.



* * *



IRAQ: “Americans want to see success in Iraq. We are not a country that shies from challenges. The President should be given a chance to carry out his plan for a secure Iraq. Rather than condemn it before it even starts, we must give it a proper chance to succeed while continuing to have a productive debate on how we can help to stabilize Iraq.”



BALANCED BUDGET AND TAX RELIEF: “Americans have come to expect a strong economy, and Republicans in the Senate will not let the tax relief that fostered it be reversed. Our tax reform policies have worked. We won’t relent. Republicans used the strong economic climate to cut the deficit. We cut it in half even more quickly than anyone thought we would. And working together, with the President and across the aisle, we must continue that trend and balance the budget within five years.”



ENERGY SECURITY: “By calling for a 20 percent reduction in gasoline consumption over the next 10 years, the President challenged the Congress to take a major step toward energy independence and stronger energy security. Setting a specific and measurable goal to reduce our reliance on foreign energy and expand the use of alternative fuels will prove far more effective than the rhetoric and partisan attacks that too often replace constructive policy.”



GREATER ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE: “The President’s plan to help the uninsured through reforming the tax code is the type of commonsense initiative we need to encourage greater participation. The government can provide the tools necessary for individuals to buy affordable, quality health insurance for their families—and then get out of the way and let them make their own choices.”



IMMIGRATION AND BORDER SECURITY: “Like the President, I too see a great opportunity for immigration and border security reform. We have the opportunity to work together to reform the system – without granting amnesty – to ensure that immigrants who want to come here to work, come here legally.



* * *



“Divided government has historically provided opportunities for major accomplishments; this Congress should reach for similar bold solutions. And though there will be disagreements, we can find agreement on the outcomes we wish to achieve. I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put politics aside and work together to find innovative ways to tackle these issues.”



###

« First < Prev Next > Last »