News

*McConnell calls for the immediate release of Suu Kyi*

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement Friday following passage of his resolution condemning the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in Burma for its continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

“Passage of this resolution reflects the Senate’s grave concern about the deteriorating situation in Burma, and it tells those living there that the American people have not forgotten about them. We are committed to keeping the pressure on this dictatorial regime, continuing to call for an end to attacks against ethnic minorities, and promoting democracy and reconciliation in Burma.

“Additionally, Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners must be immediately and unconditionally released. The Nobel Peace Prize winner has dedicated her life to the peaceful, non-violent movement for democracy and reconciliation in Burma, and the U.S. Senate strongly supports her.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), John McCain (R-AZ), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Elizabeth Dole (R-NC).

###

McConnell secures $15.2 million for Kentucky

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell – a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – obtains $15.2 million in funding for several Kentucky universities. The money, included in the FY’08 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, must be approved by the full Senate.

McConnell used his seniority on the Appropriations Committee to direct funding to the following Kentucky projects:

• $10.75 million to upgrade and expand the cardiovascular facilities at the University of Louisville. “Cardiovascular disease remains a critical health care issue for America, and unfortunately Kentucky has a high incidence of death from heart disease,” said McConnell. “The University of Louisville is leading the way in innovative research and developing treatment options for cardiovascular disease, and this funding will enable the university to construct new lab space and purchase cutting-edge equipment.”

• $1.5 million for the University of Kentucky Research Foundation. The funding will be used to upgrade UK’s connection to the National High Speed Grid. “University of Kentucky researchers are using the grid to support health care delivery and education throughout Kentucky and across the nation,” said McConnell. “This funding will allow researchers to use high-tech connections for clinical and biomedical research at UK and several central and eastern Kentucky hospitals, including the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville.”

• $500,000 for the Kentucky Oral Health Initiative at the University of Kentucky. “These funds will allow UK, and its partners in Madisonville, Morehead and Hazard, to continue its work to improve oral health care for disadvantaged populations across the state,” said McConnell. “UK researchers are also doing important work in studying the link between oral health and other serious health issues, such as neonatal development and cardiovascular risk.” McConnell delivered $1.3 million for this program in FY’05.

• $1.5 million to purchase equipment for the Western Kentucky Science Building. WKU is building a new science building and renovating existing space on the campus to create a new science, technology and engineering facility. “This funding will be used to buy state-of-the-art equipment and information technology for the new facility,” said McConnell. “WKU faculty members and students will use this equipment to continue their outreach in the community and to help produce a well trained workforce.”

• $500,000 for the Western Kentucky University Mobile Health Screening Unit. This funding will be used to equip the mobile health unit with technology to communicate directly with primary care physicians by an interactive, live remote. “WKU has a successful mobile health screening program which provides primary care services to people living in rural south central Kentucky,” said McConnell. “This funding will help medical professionals in the unit get quicker test results, which can be communicated to patients while they are still in the mobile health unit.” To date, McConnell has delivered $2.8 million for this project.

• $500,000 for the Northern Kentucky University’s Infrastructure Management Institute. “Northern Kentucky University will use these funds to continue its work to train students to better understand the needs of future employers,” said McConnell. “These students will work to develop solutions for technology management issues facing businesses and industries across the country.”

The FY’08 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill now goes before the full Senate for approval.

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved his requests of over $15 million in funding for Kentucky. The funding, included in the FY’08 Interior Appropriations bill, now must be approved by the full Senate.

McConnell used his seniority on the Appropriations Committee to direct funding to the following Kentucky projects:

• $1 million for the Green River Valley Water District project in Hart County. “I am pleased to secure funding for this important project” said Senator McConnell. “These funds will help expand access to clean water in rural Hart County.”

• $600,000 for the Monroe County Water District. “I recognize the need for improved drinking water supplies in Monroe County,” said Senator McConnell. “This funding addresses that need and will be used towards the construction of a new water treatment plant at the Cumberland River.”

• $500,000 for the Western Kentucky University Small Public Water Technology Center. “WKU provides necessary support for small public water systems across the Commonwealth, and this funding will enable the university to continue this important service,” said Senator McConnell. Senator McConnell has delivered $4.45 million for this project in previous years.

• $800,000 for the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. Of that amount, $500,000 will be used for land acquisition from willing sellers and $300,000 for construction equipment. “The Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, which will use the money to expand and improve its land, serves as a safe haven for the bald eagle and peregrine falcon,” said Senator McConnell. Senator McConnell has delivered $13.45 million for the refuge in previous years.

• $1.25 million for the Daniel Boone National Forest. Of that amount, $350,000 will be used for land acquisition and $900,000 will be used by the Forest Service to continue marijuana eradication operations. “I am pleased to have once again secured funds for the preservation and expansion of the Daniel Boone National Forest,” said Senator McConnell. “Additionally, this funding will be used by the Forest Service and local law enforcement agencies to continue their work to identify and destroy marijuana plants on or near national forest land.” Senator McConnell has delivered $18.4 million for the DBNF in previous years.

• $350,000 for improvements to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in LaRue County, Kentucky. Funds will be used to make improvements to the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek, which is a part of the National Historic Site. “Efforts to preserve President Lincoln’s birthplace will ensure that a part of Kentucky’s heritage is saved,” said Senator McConnell. “With the bicentennial of his birth approaching next year, these funds will help make the site ready for everyone to enjoy.”

• $1.9 million towards the acquisition of Fern Lake by the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. “The Cumberland Gap National Park is a popular tourist attraction and these funds will ensure that Fern Lake, which is visible from the Pinnacle Overlook, remains a protected watershed for future generations to enjoy,” said Senator McConnell. Senator McConnell has delivered $1.9 million for this project in previous years.

• $661,000 for the Kentucky Forest Legacy Marrowbone Creek State Forest Project. The Commonwealth has identified property in Metcalfe County, Kentucky, that is ideal for funding under the Forest Legacy Program. The tract includes several tributaries that feed into the biologically diverse Upper Cumberland River Valley and Green River watersheds and a number of hardwood timber stands. “This funding will be used towards the purchase of a tract of land in Metcalfe County for the establishment of the Marrowbone Creek State Forest,” said Senator McConnell. “The Forest Legacy program assists in protecting critical forest resources and ensuring good forest stewardship to sustain these resources.”

• $8.1 million from the U.S. Forest Service for management and operation of Land Between the Lakes (LBL). The funding will be used for continued operation of the recreational facility located in western Kentucky. “I, along with many Kentuckians and visitors to our state, recognize the attraction to the LBL,” said Senator McConnell. “I am pleased to have once again secured funding for the continued operation of this popular tourist spot.”

• $750,000 for the Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research (CPBR) of which the University of Kentucky is a member. “This funding will enable students and educators at UK to be on the front lines of innovation as they conduct biotechnology research that can be transferred to the marketplace,” said Senator McConnell.

The FY’08 Interior Appropriations bill now goes before the full Senate for approval.

###

Recent Press Releases

Senate Passes McConnell Resolution Condemning Military Junta in Burma for its Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi

June 22, 2007

McConnell: Kentucky’s Universities Big Winners in Senate Funding Bill

June 21, 2007

McConnell Secures Over $15 Million for Kentucky in FY’08 Interior Appropriations Bill

June 21, 2007