Energy Sec. Rick Perry, Sen. McConnell visit Hopkinsville

United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made a stop in Hopkinsville Thursday, along with U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry.

Both spoke about current events in Washington, D.C. and some of what might be expected in the future during a Christian County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon.

Senator McConnell says many important things have happened since President Donald Trump took office, but believes one of the more consequential decisions he was a part of in recent years was not allowing the Obama administration to appoint a new Supreme Court justice during his final months in office.

He says tax reform was another success that benefits the American people and he feels the last year and a half has been the best time in the Senate in his career.

Secretary Perry says his department is always adapting to the needs of a changing nation, and the President wants to cut down on regulations that he feels have hurt Kentucky coal.

He says Kentucky has the potential to be a leading energy producer in the country, if overregulation can be removed and all avenues are explored.

The James Bruce Convention Center was filled with elected officials from the local, state and federal levels, along with community members and agency representatives. There were a few protestors outside the center, but the afternoon remained peaceful with no issues.