U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke Monday morning at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Measure the Candidates Forum.
The veteran Republican lawmaker made the case for re-electing him over Democratic challenger Amy McGrath, who declined an invitation to debate McConnell at the forum, saying Kentucky would lose a powerful voice in Washington if he departs.
McConnell discussed his role in making industrial hemp pilot projects a reality through language in the farm bill.
He says he was influential in crafting the CARES Act for pandemic relief and asserts he insisted that assistance for farmers be included.
Asked about rural broadband expansion, McConnell said funding for internet in rural areas is especially important for education when many schools have moved to virtual instruction.