News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor today honoring Derek Mitchell for his service as the Ambassador to Burma. This afternoon, the Senate will vote to confirm Scot Alan Marciel to be the new U.S. Ambassador to the Union of Burma.

“Our Ambassador to Burma, Derek Mitchell, has staunchly pursued America’s interests in an important post. He’s helped guide our relationship with Burma through an historic transition to elected government. He’s also served as a trusted and valuable partner in understanding how best to measure the pace and viability of reform within Burma.

“I offer sincere gratitude for all of Derek’s advice and counsel. He will be missed. And while he leaves big shoes to fill, I intend to support the man nominated to succeed him.

“Scot Marciel has served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary since August 2013, following time in Jakarta as our Ambassador to Indonesia for three years.

“He served as Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for the East Asia and Pacific Bureau, responsible for relations with Southeast Asia.

“Earlier in his career, he served in Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Brazil, and Turkey, as well as in the Economic Bureau’s Office of Monetary Affairs.

“Ambassador Marciel will represent us as a new government is formed — and as America’s policies adjust to those changes on the ground.

“He obviously has a lot of experience. I think it will prove valuable as he works to represent our nation at a time of consequential change in Burma.

“Burma’s transition to democratically elected government is an important mark of reform in a country with a long and troubled history.

“We know there’s more to be done, but the Administration can take credit for its efforts and so can members of Congress in both parties.

“Hopefully we can build on that momentum by working together.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding Sec. Burwell’s upcoming Zika virus briefing:

“I recently asked Secretary Burwell to come to the Senate to brief committee chairs, ranking members, and leaders in both parties on the Administration’s response to the Zika virus. I appreciate her team working with us to schedule that briefing for tomorrow.

“Here are two key areas where we’ll want to get a better understanding at the briefing.

1. What preparations are being made to protect Americans?
2. What are the Administration’s funding priorities given limited federal resources?

“Concern about the Zika virus is growing in our country, and protecting constituents — especially children — from communicable disease is a high priority for all of us.

"I’m looking forward to hearing more about both the Administration’s proposed response and its priorities for combatting this disease tomorrow.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the bipartisan Energy Policy Modernization Act:

“The Energy Policy Modernization Act is the product of a year’s worth of constructive and collaborative work.

“In the Energy Committee, it passed overwhelmingly with the support of both parties.

“Here on the floor, it’s been subject to an open amendment process with input from both parties.

“More than 30 amendments from both Democrats and Republicans have been adopted already. The Senator from Alaska recently sought consent to continue that progress by getting several more amendments pending.

“It’s unclear why any colleague would object to her effort, or why they would effectively block consideration of their own amendments, but that’s what happened.

“It’s disappointing for our country. We’re hoping our friends will reconsider.

“Remember.

“The Energy Policy Modernization Act is broad, bipartisan legislation designed to help Americans produce more energy, pay less for energy, and save energy — all while helping strengthen our long-term national security.

“We should pass it.

“I’m asking colleagues to take ‘yes’ for an answer and allow the open amendment process to continue — so we can pass it, which is so important to helping our country prepare for the energy demands of today and the energy opportunities of tomorrow.”

Recent Press Releases

McConnell Honors Departing Ambassador to Burma, Welcomes Incoming Nominee

‘Burma’s transition to democratically elected government is an important mark of reform in a country with a long and troubled history.’

February 9, 2016

McConnell Expects Administration’s Zika Briefing to Provide Answers on Plans to Protect Americans

‘Concern about the Zika virus is growing in our country, and protecting constituents — especially children — from communicable disease is a high priority for all of us.’

February 8, 2016

McConnell Urges Senate to Move Bipartisan Energy Legislation Forward

‘The Energy Policy Modernization Act is the product of a year’s worth of constructive and collaborative work… It’s unclear why any colleague would object…’

February 8, 2016