Outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has announced that he will serve as chairman of the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee during the 119th Congress.
“America's national security interests face the most serious set of threats since World War II,” McConnell said in a statement. We have a responsibility to secure a future of power and dominance.”
“As Chair of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I intend to play an active role in this urgent mission and look forward to working closely with Chair-elect Susan Collins to achieve our shared goals. I'm looking forward to it,” he said.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is currently the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) answers questions from reporters during a press conference following the weekly Senate Republican Policy Luncheon on November 19, 2024 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
“The Senate Rules Committee also has important work to accomplish in the 119th Congress, and I look forward to leading it as its chair,” McConnell said in a statement.
“Defending the Senate as an institution and protecting the right to political speech in elections remains one of my most long-standing priorities. Ranking Member Deb Fischer is committed to advancing these causes. “She is doing a great job and I know she will continue to be a valued partner on the committee,” he said. “It's a work in progress.”
McConnell, 82, has served in the U.S. Senate since 1985 and will soon celebrate his 40th anniversary in the Senate. His current term ends in early 2027.
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On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) concludes a press conference at the U.S. Capitol following a Senate luncheon. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
McConnell has been at the helm of the Senate Republican Party since 2007, but announced earlier this year that his current term as Senate Republican leader would be his last.
Sen. John Thune, RS.D., has been named to replace Mr. McConnell next year.
Republicans will win a majority in the Senate in the 2024 election, and Thune will become the Senate majority leader.
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Speaking alongside Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) during a press conference after the weekly Senate Republican Policy Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., September 10, 2024. Senate Minority Leader John Thune (RS.D.) listens. Photographed on September 10, 2024. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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“The selection of John Thune is a clear endorsement of the perfect leader, and my colleagues are right to have confidence in his legislative experience and political skills,” McConnell said in a statement.
“After four years of failure by Washington Democrats, the American people elected Republicans to restore stability and order. John Thune has taken over the reins with an incredible opportunity to lead this change, and Senate Republicans have We support it and are ready to get to work,” he said. Added.
