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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Democrats’ filibuster of the resolution of disapproval:

“The issue before us is of immense consequence to our country. The American people are entitled to a real voice, and to know where their elected Senators stand.

“Until recently, this was a principle members of both parties appeared to endorse.

“In fact, not a single Democrat voted against the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act when it passed the Senate 98-1 a few months ago.

“They told us that this was an issue too important for political games. Here’s what one Democratic colleague said just last week:

“‘As a caucus that was opposed to games with filibusters over the last four years, I would think it would be really regrettable if we didn't ultimately go to the floor and cast our votes for or against this deal.’

“But that was last week.

“Democratic Senators just voted to filibuster and block the American people from even having a real vote on one of the most consequential foreign policy issues of our age.

“It’s telling that Democrats would go to such extreme lengths to prevent President Obama from even having to consider legislation on this issue. If the President is so proud of this deal, then he shouldn’t be afraid. He should wield his veto pen with pride and explain his rationale to the American people.

“But this is a deal that was designed to go around Congress and the people from the start. That’s part of the reason the President ended up with a deal so bad that a bipartisan congressional majority would reject it.

“It would empower Iran to maintain thousands of centrifuges and become a recognized nuclear-threshold state, forever on the edge of developing a nuclear weapon.

“It would effectively subsidize Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Assad regime in Syria by showering tens of billions of dollars on their benefactors in Tehran.

“It would leave Iran with an enrichment capability just as the Iranian leadership is again calling for Israel’s destruction — and praying for ours.

“This deal is sure to have many consequences that will last well beyond this administration, and yet — as things presently stand — it would limp along with little or no buy-in or input from Congress or the people.

“That should not be an acceptable outcome to Democrats, even those who support this deal.”

‘This permanent display is a testament to the Paducah community and to the generations of Kentucky workers at the plant who have been proud to support our country.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke at a ribbon cutting ceremony today at the U.S. Department of Energy headquarters to unveil a new permanent display on the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP). During the event, Senator McConnell thanked Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler, McCracken County Judge Executive Bob Leeper and members of the Paducah community, who also attended the event, for their commitment to the city of Paducah and to the workers at the PGDP.

“I want to thank all of my friends from Paducah for making this ceremony possible. And I thank the Department and Secretary Moniz for hosting this permanent display,” Senator McConnell said. “For generations, patriotic Western Kentuckians have advanced our country’s national security and energy security by never shying away from a challenge. By enriching uranium for national defense—and later for civilian purposes—workers at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant frequently executed dangerous tasks as they contributed to America’s success in the Cold War.

“I am proud to have continued the work of Alben Barkley, Kentucky’s first U.S. Senate Majority Leader, in supporting the workers—and the mission—at this important facility. I know the critical role that the plant and the region have played in keeping our nation safe and I will continue to work—along with my colleagues in the Congressional delegation—to ensure the government’s long-term environmental responsibilities at the site are met.

“This permanent display is a testament to the Paducah community and to the generations of Kentucky workers at the plant who have been proud to support our country.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today urging Senate Democrats to allow a vote on the President’s deal with Iran:

“Just a few short months ago, Senators of both parties came together to pass a bipartisan bill based on an important principle: that the American people, through the Congress they elect, deserve a say on one of the most important issues of our time.

“We rallied around that principle, voting 98-1 to ensure the American people would have a real say on any deal with Iran.

“What a tragedy it would be then if, at the very last moment, some of those same Senators decided to filibuster to prevent the American people from having a real say on this incredibly important issue.

“I know some of our colleagues are currently under immense pressure to shut down the voice of the people.

“But I ask colleagues to reflect on the gravely serious nature of the issue before us.

“I ask colleagues to consider the expectations they set with their constituents when they voted for the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act.

“I ask colleagues to consider something else too.

“This is a deal that will far outlast one administration.

“The President may have the luxury of vacating office in a few months, but many of our responsibilities extend beyond that.

“The American people will remember where we stand today.

“Let’s stand on their side.”

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