U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s eNewsletter - - Week of November 18, 2019
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Named 'Distinguished Rural Kentuckian'
On Monday, the Kentucky Electric Cooperatives presented U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell with its highest honor, the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian Award, at their annual meeting.
Chris Perry, president and CEO of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives said: “Senator McConnell is a champion for rural Kentucky. Time and time again, he has been there for co-ops when it matters most. And, what’s striking is how responsive he is to the issues of rural Kentucky and America.”
The Kentucky Electric Cooperatives, which serve 1.5 million Kentuckians in 117 of 120 counties, specifically mentioned Senator McConnell’s successful work on Kentucky priorities including, major tax reform, regulatory relief, infrastructure, and rural broadband.
Click the image below to view the video tribute by the Kentucky Electric Cooperatives
Senator McConnell Cosponsors Bill to Combat Spread of Deadly Fentanyl in Kentucky
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell cosponsored legislation this week that would permanently list all types of fentanyl-like substances (analogues), as Schedule 1 narcotics. Fentanyl -- a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin -- continues to be the most lethal drug for Kentucky, killing 786 Kentuckians last year alone.
Fentanyl analogues are created by slightly modifying the chemical structure of fentanyl, which drug traffickers use to escape scrutiny by law enforcement. The Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues (SOFA) Act will give law enforcement additional tools needed to continue to fight the addiction epidemic in the Commonwealth.
‘'Fentanyl and its variations are fueling the deadly drug epidemic, particularly here in Kentucky. While the Commonwealth saw a decrease in the number of overdose fatalities last year, we must not lose our focus on giving law enforcement every tool possible to combat this crisis,” said Senator McConnell.
“Fentanyl has wrought pain and devastation on families throughout Kentucky, and our Commonwealth is leading the fight to get it off the streets,” said Van Ingram, the executive director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. “Kentucky is a great example of the benefits of federal and state partnerships in the response to opioid and substance abuse. Our law enforcement officers need all the support we can provide as they bravely protect our communities and promote recovery from addiction.”
“The constant support Senator McConnell has shown to Kentucky’s law enforcement is a key factor to keeping communities safe and our officers out of harm,” said Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue, Jr., President of the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police. “I’m grateful the Senate Majority Leader is cosponsoring legislation to keep dangerous fentanyl substances out of Kentucky, and the results he delivers are saving lives in our state.”
TARC receives $17.3 Million Federal Transportation Grant
On Wednesday, Senator McConnell announced the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) was awarded a nearly $17.3 million competitive federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Among other initiatives, TARC plans to use the federal funding to replace Louisville’s aging public buses with a new, fuel-efficient fleet.
Senator McConnell contacted the FTA in support of his constituents’ federal grant application and TARC’s mission to provide safe and cost-effective transportation to more than 12.5 million passengers annually in the greater Louisville region. According to TARC, the vast majority of its riders are heading to work or school, and these federal resources will help them and the region’s continued economic growth.
“Working with TARC, I was proud to help deliver this major federal grant award directly benefiting thousands of Kentucky families,” said Senator McConnell. “The aging TARC buses put an excessive strain on the city and the tens of thousands of Kentuckians who ride it every day. With an advanced fleet of safe, fuel-efficient and cost-effective buses, TARC will be in a better position than ever to help its riders reach their destinations. Louisville is a thriving city, and as Senate Majority Leader, I’m happy to continue supporting new investments like this one for its bright future.”
“The Transit Authority of River City is incredibly grateful for the support of Senator McConnell and his role in securing this $17.3 million award from the FTA,” said Ferdinand L. Risco Jr., TARC Executive Director. “This substantial investment will allow TARC to upgrade its fleet of 227 buses, improving our ability to provide reliable, efficient service while expanding our impact on the workforce and economic development of the Greater Louisville region.”
For Kentuckians interested in applying for a competitive federal grant, please contact Senator McConnell’s office for assistance by clicking HERE.
Majority Leader McConnell Unveils New National Wildlife Refuge in Kentucky
On Friday, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, along with U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials, and their counterparts from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, announced the establishment of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge near the confluence of the Ohio and Green rivers in Henderson, Kentucky.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell personally discussed the importance of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge with Secretary Bernhardt and secured a legislative measure directing the Department of the Interior to establish the new refuge in Henderson. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Majority Leader McConnell shepherded his measure to passage and into law.
“Kentucky has been blessed with many gorgeous lands and pristine waters. The establishment of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge will preserve our natural resources for future generations of sportsmen and tourists to enjoy,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “Like the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, the other federal wildlife refuge I helped establish in Kentucky, this widely popular habitat can draw outdoor enthusiasts and encourage growth in the local economy. I was proud to attract national attention to this Kentucky priority as Senate Majority Leader, bringing together Henderson’s leaders and the Trump administration, especially Secretary Bernhardt, to implement my legislation authorizing this refuge. Together, we’re protecting these lands for future recreation and enjoyment and fulfilling our responsibility as stewards of Kentucky’s natural treasures.”
Leader McConnell Discusses Tobacco 21 Legislation, Hemp and CBD with FDA Commissioner Nominee
On Wednesday, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell met with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner nominee, Dr. Stephen Hahn, in his office in the U.S. Capitol.
During the meeting, Senator McConnell discussed his legislation to raise the nationwide tobacco purchasing age to 21 as well as the significance of hemp production in Kentucky. Senator McConnell informed Dr. Hahn of the importance of his Tobacco-Free Youth Act, which can address the current vaping epidemic by helping keep dangerous nicotine products out of hands of adolescents.
Senator McConnell also discussed the positive impact the legalization of hemp is having in Kentucky. He also reminded Dr. Hahn of some of the ongoing challenges -- such as the need for a regulatory framework for CBD -- he hears about from hemp farmers, processors and manufacturers in the state.
“I look forward to working closely with Dr. Hahn on several important issues for Kentucky,” said Senator McConnell. “As Senate Majority Leader, I consistently work with my colleagues in the Trump administration to advance Kentucky’s priorities. Like many Kentuckians who are taking advantage of hemp’s legalization, I am eager for FDA’s plans to create certainty for CBD products. Dr. Hahn and I also discussed my legislation to help keep dangerous nicotine products—including vaping devices—out of our children’s hands.”
Leader McConnell Meets with Secretary of Energy Nominee
Majority Leader McConnell released the following statement after meeting on Wednesday with President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Energy, Dan Brouillette:
“I was glad to meet today with Deputy Secretary Brouillette to discuss his nomination to lead the Department of Energy, the administration’s ongoing efforts to secure American energy dominance, and the work of Kentuckians to produce affordable domestic energy. In particular, we discussed future funding and support for the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion plant and Kentucky’s important role in cutting-edge clean coal and carbon sequestration research.”
Majority Leader McConnell welcomed to his office in the U.S. Capitol the president’s nominee for Secretary of Energy.
American Families, Job Creators Waiting on Speaker Pelosi to Allow USMCA Vote
On Wednesday, Senator McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging House Democrats to pass the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada trade agreement (USMCA), saying, "One of the major priorities that Kentuckians mention is the USMCA. I’ve heard it from our farmers, manufacturers, logistics providers, and bourbon distillers. Almost every sector of our economy would benefit from this trade deal…House Democrats have preferred to block 176,000 new jobs for American workers rather than put impeachment aside and get along with the White House for five minutes. It appears there is no governing priority – no matter how bipartisan, no matter how beneficial to American families – that will not take a backseat to impeachment."
McConnell Celebrates Passage of Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
Also on Wednesday, Senator McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding unanimous Senate support for the people of Hong Kong, saying, "I was proud to speak out on this back in the summer when the protests began. I was proud to secure important policy steps for Hong Kong in the State and Foreign Ops Subcommittee back in September. And I am proud that senators approved these further steps to update that original law to preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy and democracy and provide more tools for holding Beijing accountable."
McConnell Recognizes Kentucky Family as ‘Angels in Adoption’
Photo courtesy of the Thomas family. Children L-R: Henry, Ned, Rowan, and Burke
Senator McConnell welcomed parents, Angie and Chris Thomas, to his Leadership Office in the United States Capitol.
Recently, Senator McConnell welcomed Chris and Angie Thomas, of Louisville, Kentucky to the U.S. Capitol to congratulate them on being recognized as 2019 Angels in Adoption. Senator McConnell recommended the Thomas family for the honor.
Chris and Angie were matched with their son, Rowan, from Ethiopia in 2016. Unfortunately, the Ethiopian government imposed an indefinite suspension of adoptions preventing the Thomas family from bringing their son home. Senator McConnell stepped in to help the Thomas family as well as a number of other Kentucky families experiencing this same obstacle in their adoption process. On behalf of his constituents, Senator McConnell contacted Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United States and the Ethiopian Prime Minister urging a resolution. With his help, along with pressure from Congress and the U.S. State Department, the Thomas family was finally able to bring its newest member to Kentucky in August 2017.
“Chris and Angie Thomas worked for years to grow their family through adoption, and it was a real pleasure to be able to help,” said Senate Majority Leader McConnell. “This family’s story is one of inspiring persistence, and I was proud to nominate them to be Angels in Adoption and present them with their award. One of my greatest privileges representing Kentucky in the Senate is helping families in need, and I’m glad the Thomas family is receiving this well-deserved recognition.”
“When the Ethiopian government suspended international adoptions, we had already been in the process for seven years. Chris and I were heartbroken at the thought of not being able to bring our son, Rowan, home,” Angie Thomas said. “We reached out to Senator McConnell in 2017, and he became our champion when we needed it most. He put pressure on Ethiopian leaders, and they agreed to complete our adoption as well as other families already in the process. We are incredibly thankful to Senator McConnell for his support in helping us unite our family and bring our son to Kentucky.”
Angels in Adoption is a public awareness campaign by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Each year, Members of Congress can nominate constituents who are helping to improve the lives of children in need of families.
For Kentucky families who may also need assistance with international adoption, please contact the Senator’s office in Louisville at (502) 582-6304 or online: https://sen.gov/R4W4
Visiting D.C.
Every week, many Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth visit Senator McConnell's office in the U.S. Capitol. If you’re planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please check out Senator McConnell'swebsiteand visit his office while you are in town. Also, the Senator’s office has information on tours, places to visit and local restaurants to help make your trip to the nation’s capital one to remember.
Keeping Up With Senator McConnell
Keep up with things happening in our nation's capital and Kentucky by becoming a fan of Senator McConnell’sFacebookpage and following on Instagram at@McConnellPress. Receive news updates and alerts from Senator McConnell’s Press Office by following on Twitter at@McConnellPress.
For a more behind-the-scenes view of the Senate Majority Leader's office, be sure to follow@SenateMajLdron Twitter and@SenateMajLdron Instagram.
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