Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has announced his new roles for the 119th Congress. McConnell will chair the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
In a statement, McConnell emphasized the critical nature of America's national security interests, stating that the country faces significant threats. He expressed his commitment to securing U.S. leadership and primacy in this challenging period.
McConnell highlighted his intention to actively contribute to this mission as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. He looks forward to collaborating closely with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who currently serves as the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
Regarding his role as Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, McConnell underscored the importance of defending the Senate as an institution and safeguarding the right to political speech in elections. He praised Ranking Member Deb Fischer for her work in advancing these causes and acknowledged her as a key partner in the committee's ongoing efforts.
McConnell, who has been in the U.S. Senate since 1985, is approaching his 40-year anniversary in the chamber. His current term extends until early 2027. Earlier this year, McConnell announced that his current term as Senate Republican leader would be his last, with Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., set to succeed him in the role next year.
Following the Republican victory in the 2024 elections, Thune will assume the position of Senate majority leader. McConnell praised Thune's leadership qualities, describing his election as a clear endorsement of a skilled leader. He expressed confidence in Thune's ability to lead the transformation sought by the American people and affirmed Senate Republicans' readiness to support him in their legislative endeavors.
