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McConnell Recognizes Warrior Games 2015, PTSD Awareness Day

June 25, 2015

‘So I hope Americans will take action this PTSD Awareness Day to shed some light on an often misunderstood condition, and hopefully to reach out to someone in need.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Warrior Games and PTSD Awareness Day: 

“Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of our nation’s heroes.

“These men and women are taking part in Warrior Games 2015, an annual DoD-organized sporting event for both veterans and wounded, ill, and injured service members from every corner of the country.

“This year’s games features approximately 250 athletes from across the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

“As these wounded warriors give it their all in heated competition, their bravery and their perseverance through adversity serve as sources of inspiration to the rest of us. Their determination serves as a continuing reminder that heroism endures long after events of the battlefield.

“It was a great honor to meet some of these courageous athletes and their families yesterday afternoon, right here in the Capitol. I shared the thanks of a grateful nation with many men and women who wear our nation’s uniform, or who recently have. I shared my personal gratitude as well. Because their heroism and their sacrifice represent an enduring source of freedom for every other American.

“I hope they never forget it. I hope they’re reminded when looking out to cheering crowds on the field.

“Because America won’t forget what the men and women who’ve stood in our defense have given for our freedom. Let us hope that our nation will always find brave warriors like them.

***

“Saturday, June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day. Sadly, post-traumatic stress disorder is an affliction that touches too many of our veterans.

“Raising awareness of PTSD and combatting the myths and misinformation that surround it are incredibly important. There are effective treatments for PTSD, and all of us can do a few simple things in honor of PTSD Awareness Day.

“First, we can learn more about PTSD by getting the facts on the condition and its treatment.

“We can also reach out to someone who might have PTSD or be at risk, particularly among the veteran community.

“And finally, we can pass along what we learn to others, to continue to raise awareness.

“So I hope Americans will take action this PTSD Awareness Day to shed some light on an often misunderstood condition, and hopefully to reach out to someone in need.”

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McConnell Statement on Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Authority

June 24, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement after the Senate passed Trade Promotion Authority. With House passage last week, the legislation now goes to the White House for the President’s signature:

“A new Congress that’s back to work for the middle class just notched another win for everyone who cares about strengthening American paychecks, American jobs, and the American economy. Achieving this positive outcome was never going to be easy, but it proves that the power of a good idea, no matter where it comes from, can win out over the stasis of gridlock. That’s why Republicans were glad to accept President Obama’s support in advancing a principle we’ve long believed in — that we ought to show our support for American workers by knocking down unfair foreign trade barriers that discriminate against products stamped ‘Made in the USA.’ We’re grateful for the President’s efforts to help us move this idea forward, and we applaud him for speaking truth-to-power to his base.

“The legislation that will soon be signed into law will rightly enhance Congress’ oversight over both the administration and the trade negotiation process as it moves forward, and it will also ensure our ability to scrutinize and render a verdict on any trade deal inked by this administration or the next one. That’s a common-sense outcome for our country, and it’s another bipartisan achievement for the new Congress.”

 

Senate Will Pass, Send President Trade Promotion Bill

June 24, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding bipartisan trade legislation:

“Yesterday's TPA vote was a long-overdue victory for the American worker and the American Middle Class.

“It wasn't easy. Many thought it would never happen. We even saw corks pop in the facts-optional lobby a few weeks ago.

“But that proved to be premature.

“Because here's what we've always known about the legislation we'll vote to send to the President today.

“It's underpinned by a simple but powerful idea: For American workers to have a fair shot in the 21st Century economy, it just makes sense to remove the unfair barriers that discriminate against them and the products they make.

“Some may disagree. They certainly weren't quiet in voicing their opinions. It's okay if they don't share our passion for ending this unfair discrimination against American workers. It's okay if they'd rather rail against tomorrow.

“But a bipartisan coalition in the House and the Senate thought it was time for forward progress instead.

“We were really pleased to see President Obama pursue an idea we've long believed in. We thank him for his efforts to help us pass a bill to advance it.

“We thank all of our friends across the aisle for their efforts too, Senator Wyden most of all.
Over in the House, I commend Speaker Boehner and Chairman Ryan for everything they've done. It hasn't been easy, and without them it wouldn't have been possible.

“And of course, let me thank Chairman Hatch for demonstrating such patience, persistence, and determination throughout this process. He never lost sight of the goal. He never gave up. The people of Utah are lucky to have him.

“The Senate's work on trade doesn't end today. I said the Senate would finish pursuing the rest of the full trade package, and it will.

“We'll take another cloture vote to that end today. That process continues.

“But the key victory for American workers and products stamped 'Made in the USA' comes today.

“The bill we're about to pass will assert Congress’ authority throughout the trade-negotiation process, it will ensure we have the tools we need to properly scrutinize whatever trade agreements are ultimately negotiated, and it will make clear that the final say rests with us.

“We had plenty of bumps along the road. Frankly, a few big potholes too. But we worked across the aisle to get through all of them.

“That's an example of a new Congress that's back to work for the American people. I thank everyone who helped us get here. Now, let's vote again to support the American worker and the American Middle Class by approving the bipartisan TPA bill.”

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