As the government shutdown stretches on, now approaching a week, Senator Mitch McConnell is urging his fellow delegates to end the shutdown and focus spending where it’s needed.
The senator from Kentucky—who will not be seeking re-election in 2026—made his position on this government shutdown clear by calling it detriment to the American people, saying there’s nothing to be gained from shutting down basic government functions because legislators can’t agree on something.
He says once they get this resolved, he will call for increased defense funding, saying that he feels that’s been an area that hasn’t been appropriately funded for some time.
Senator McConnell urged for legislators to no longer have the national defense on a full-year continuing resolution, saying it stops readiness and efficiency of the military forces.
The senator says he doesn’t want to alarm anyone, and he’s hopeful that at least a short-term funding extension will pass soon, but says the funding must be ready to match the goals of both this President’s administration and America’s national security.
He further encouraged supporting the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russia, saying the majority of the American people support that endeavor.