Now in his 37th year of political office, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) held court at the SpringHill Suites in Murray on Tuesday — addressing his thoughts on the state of a nation climbing out of a global pandemic, the need for Americans to get a vaccine, and some friendlier party lines than some might think.
McConnell particularly lauded the bipartisanship involved with 2020 legislation surrounding the $2 trillion relief plan that birthed the “Paycheck Protection Program,” which doled out needed monies for workers and businesses during the height of coronavirus concerns.
But the major concern for McConnell moving forward, he noted, are the newest discussions of the jobs and families plan under President Joe Biden — which has seen floated projections of $1-$2 trillion from Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), to north of $6 trillion from Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont).
McConnell vowed a fight could be coming regarding the fiscal line on the overall plan — which is set to include a considerable national infrastructure deal for water, sewage, road and broadband appropriations — but eschewed “hate” isn’t the message in Washington, D.C.
As a child who dealt with polio, McConnell also called for those reticent and apprehensive to move forward with getting the coronavirus vaccine, stating it was one of the fastest ways for America’s economy to fully rebound into returned prosperity.
According to McConnell, more than $400 million in financial support came to the college system in Kentucky in 2020, with $16 million going specifically to Murray State University.
MSU President Dr. Bob Jackson, who introduced McConnell, thanked his authorship of the bill — which set in motion the stabilization of the four-year public institution.
McConnell had his own thanks to pass along, and a quick quip about Jackson taking the job at MSU.
Still, most of McConnell’s discussion revolved around the discussions and dissection around impending federal relief, once the U.S. Senate returns from recess following the nation’s July 4 celebration.
He believes a limited plan, perhaps $1-$2 trillion surrounding infrastructure, will have the bi-partisanship needed, but that a $5-$6 trillion balloon — placed on top of the already $2 trillion released in 2020 — could change the course of American history in a direction he’d prefer to avoid.
He also specifically called Biden “a nice guy,” having dealt with him extensively during Barack Obama’s two-term administration, but added “he’s no moderate,” and that the Senate remains philosophically split.
For more information, visit https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/.
