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Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where Mitch McConnell broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
1
Cross-aisle vote
118-sjres-117·Nov 21, 2024·80% of R voted YES
A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the Presidential report with respect to the indebtedness of the Government of Ukraine.
McConnell in The Wall Street Journal: Coddling Putin Won’t Bring Peace to Ukraine
Position: Criticizes the Trump administration's approach to ending Russia's war in Ukraine, arguing that pressuring Ukraine and offering sanctions relief to Russia will embolden Vladimir Putin and that Ukraine's defense serves U.S. strategic interests.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, submitted the following op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal regarding Ukraine:
President Trump's gambit to end Russia's war in Ukraine by pressuring the victim is certain to fail. His approach to the war reveals he misunderstands facts that American voters understand well.
While Vladimir Putin ignores Mr. Trump's call for an energy cease-fire and continues to murder Ukrainian civilians, the U.S. president claims that Russia "has been fine on Ukraine." This is factually wrong, strategically naive and morally bankrupt. His obsequious accommodation of Russia, rewarding the aggressor with sanctions relief, won't persuade Mr. Putin to stop. History shows that such behavior emboldens Russia's autocrat, who sees it as weakness.
In June 2021, Mr. Putin watched President Biden pause $100 million in lethal security assistance to Ukraine in pursuit of "deliverables" for a U.S.-Russia summit. We know what happened the following year. Yet Mr. Trump seems determined to repeat the mistakes of a predecessor he scorns.
Threatening to withhold security and intelligence assistance or access to crucial satellite communications systems won't materially weaken Ukraine's will to defend itself, but it may allow Mr. Putin to make battlefield headway that had until now been out of reach. This could prolong the war, not shorten it. And when Russia's limited supply of diesel has changed hands, it will have done little to bring down prices at the pump.
Regardless of the midterm election results, Mr. Putin is America's enemy. He is aligned with China, Iran and North Korea to divide the U.S. from our allies and undermine our global influence.
Americans, including most Republicans, understand this. They sympathize with Ukraine's defenders, its abducted children, its shivering elderly and persecuted Christians. They know America's strategic interests are aligned with Kyiv's.
If the president means what he says about ending the conflict, he should look to the wisdom of the American people, not naive businessmen who seem to think diplomacy entails fawning over adversaries. Mr. Putin is many things, but he is no humanitarian. A Russian victory would have far worse consequences for our economic and national security and our global influence than temporarily high diesel prices.
Mr. Putin has directed cyberattacks against U.S. government agencies, businesses and infrastructure and helped Iran target U.S. personnel and facilities in the Middle East. He is an ally of Xi Jinping. He will continue to seize opportunities to weaken America—and Europe.
The Continent is our biggest trading partner and an engine of American economic growth. An outcome to this war that makes it easier for Russia to threaten Europe harms our own interests. Meanwhile, Ukraine's innovation on the battlefield against a more powerful aggressor makes its value as a partner obvious.
The destruction of American aircraft, materiel and facilities, and the killing of U.S. personnel by Iranian drones—the same kind of Iranian drones Russia uses against Ukrainian cities—underscores the urgency of working with Ukraine. Senior Army leaders who traveled to Ukraine, like former Secretary Dan Driscoll, Gen. Chris Donahue and Lt. Gen. Curtis Buzzard, understood this. Not a single senior Pentagon policy official appears to have done the same, and it shows.
The Pentagon officials involved in restricting U.S. assistance to Ukraine should explain how abandoning the "Silicon Valley of warfare" and the world's experts in battlefield drone innovation will help America achieve drone dominance. Next, they should explain why the president blames Ukraine for the U.S. military's shortage of Tomahawk cruise missiles, even though we haven't provided any to Ukraine.
The strategic incoherence extends beyond Ukraine. The Pentagon has undercut allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that are meeting military spending targets faster than we are. This is evident in the Pentagon policy office's determination that supporting Baltic allies is wasteful and the Pentagon's failure to commit appropriated funds to the Baltic Security Initiative. These funds are invested directly in the U.S. defense industrial base. The initiative's procurement equips friends on NATO's front line and spurs their own far greater investments in American weapons.
European assistance to Ukraine outpaces our own. The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List lets allies procure American-made weapons for this purpose. But the Trump administration is using PURL to pressure allies to reimburse the U.S. for security assistance Congress already appropriated. This dilutes our allies' buying power and undermines American leadership and credibility. It also perversely encourages allies to reduce their use of American military hardware as soon as they can.
Securing a just and stable peace in Ukraine will require the moral clarity to assign blame where it belongs and a willingness to speak the only language Mr. Putin understands: strength.
The good news for Americans is that Senate Republicans oppose retreat and appeasement and favor a strong defense. They support Ukraine. They support NATO. They understand Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are enemies. And they want the president to work with Congress to restore American primacy.
Mr. Trump has high hopes for a lame-duck legislative agenda, including the one-time defense spending I've urged the administration instead to build into full-year appropriations. Passing this agenda will require working with Republicans who know the difference between the good guys and the bad guys. Ending the obeisance to Mr. Putin may be table stakes for the end-of-year legislation. The president should plan accordingly.
Mr. McConnell, a Republican, is a U.S. senator from Kentucky.
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/10/mcconnell-in-the-wall-street-journal-coddling-putin-won-t-bring-peace-to-ukraine
Bipartisan Senators Call on Trump to Rescind Russian Diesel Deal and Implement Sanctions Authorized by Congress Last Month on Enablers of Putin’s War Against Ukraine
Position: The senators urge the President to rescind a recent agreement allowing Russian-origin diesel into global markets and instead implement sanctions authorized by the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act against Russia and its enablers, such as China.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alan Armstrong (R-OK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) wrote President Donald Trump urging him to rescind his recent agreement with President Vladimir Putin to allow Russian-origin diesel fuel into global markets.
"Granting Moscow the ability to sell Russian diesel freely in global markets damages American security interests and is a betrayal of the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend themselves from Putin's murderous, illegal war. This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded," the senators wrote.
The senators urged Trump to instead take swift action to implement sanctions authorized by the recently passed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which President Trump signed into law in September.
"These authorities require you to apply economic pressure on Russia and the chief enablers of its war, in particular China, and thereby enhance your negotiating position to bring a swift end to this ruinous conflict," the senators wrote.
The full text of the senators' letter is available here and copied below.
Congress and the American people support ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has cost hundreds of thousands of lives over the last four and a half years because Russia chose to invade its neighbor. A brokered peace, however, must be on just terms. It must uphold democratic values, the sovereignty and security of Ukraine, and their people's right to choose their future.
The deal you struck with President Vladamir Putin on October 9th will not achieve just ends, nor will it benefit Americans. The Treasury Department's General License No. 135, which lifts sanctions on Russia's diesel exports, only provides Putin with more fuel to finance his war machine and enables Russia to continue its brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Granting Moscow the ability to sell Russian diesel freely in global markets damages American security interests and is a betrayal of the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend themselves from Putin's murderous, illegal war. This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded.
We also recognize the urgent need to lower energy costs for American families and address the disruptions caused by the war with Iran. However, allowing Russian-origin diesel into global markets will offer limited to no relief to Americans. It will have a negligible impact on fuel prices, but the revenues the Kremlin will receive from this agreement will undoubtedly finance its desired war of attrition and advance its security cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea. It will also endanger servicemembers operating overseas in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Last month, Congress passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which you swiftly signed into law. Both chambers passed the legislation with resounding, bipartisan votes, clearly demonstrating our intent and granting you the authorities to broker a just and fair peace. These authorities require you to apply economic pressure on Russia and the chief enablers of its war, in particular China, and thereby enhance your negotiating position to bring a swift end to this ruinous conflict. For decades, America has stood as the bastion of freedom against tyranny, and American presidents have embodied our nation's resistance to tyrants. Putin is a tyrant. Withdraw from this agreement, rescind General License No. 135, and execute the authorities provided under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Maintain our legacy – and the duty America holds – as leader of the free world.
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/10/bipartisan-senators-call-on-trump-to-rescind-russian-diesel-deal-and-implement-sanctions-authorized-by-congress-last-month-on-enablers-of-putin-s-war-against-ukraine
McConnell Statement on Third Anniversary of October 7th Attacks
Position: The statement characterizes the October 7, 2023 attacks as an attempted genocide and identifies Hamas, Hizballah, and Iran as threats to Israel and regional security. It calls for condemning anti-Semitism at home and for maintaining a resilient Jewish state.
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), issued the following statement on the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks:
"Three years on from October 7th, 2023, it is important to distinguish what that day was, and what it was not.
"The deadliest attempted genocide of Jews since the Holocaust was not merely a new chapter in some intractable ethnic squabble.
"The invasion of peaceful homes to slaughter infants, rape women, and bludgeon elders was not the desperate act of noble freedom fighters.
"The hiding of hostages for over two years in dark tunnels, built for terror, was not the behavior of legitimate belligerents seeking peace.
"On this solemn anniversary, it is more important than ever for America and her allies to maintain clear eyes about the true impediments to lasting security for Israel and its neighbors: the web of terror that links Hamas, Hizballah, and fellow proxies with Iran, the architect of regional chaos.
"What more urgent call to remember and condemn the horrific violence of October 7th, 2023, than the emboldened anti-Semitism to which it has given license here at home? Jewish Americans, for their part, will remember which leaders made excuses for the deranged crowds chanting in the streets for the eradication of the world's only Jewish state, and which ones declined to condemn the cowardly reprobates cashing in on anti-Semitism online.
"I refuse to be one of them. I refuse to treat October 7th as anything but what it is: a sickening reminder of the oldest hatred the world has ever known, the responsibility to confront it, and the importance of a resilient Jewish state in a world bent on its destruction."
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/10/mcconnell-statement-on-third-anniversary-of-october-7th-attacks
McConnell, Colleagues Press Administration on Stalled Taiwan Aid, Arms
Position: The senators urge the Administration to obligate $300 million in FY26 foreign military financing and $1 billion in Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative funds, and to approve a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan, arguing that these steps are necessary for deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), along with Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC), sent a letter today to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding the status of Taiwan security cooperation funds appropriated in FY26 but not yet obligated, and of $14 billion in arms sales to Taiwan awaiting Administration approval.
Full text of the letter is below (original letter HERE):
Dear Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth:
We write to express concern regarding the Department of State's intention not to obligate $300 million in foreign military financing (FMF) appropriated by the Congress for Taiwan during fiscal year 2026, the failure of the Department of Defense to obligate $1 billion in fiscal year 2026 funding for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative (TSCI), and the Administration's decision to withhold approval of a $14 billion package of foreign military sales (FMS) to Taiwan.
Secretary Rubio, your former Senate colleagues remember well the prominent and vocal role you played in marshaling Congressional support for deeper and more unflinching security cooperation with Taiwan. Upon introducing legislation in 2023 designed in part to expedite U.S. military sales to Taiwan, you went as far as to observe that, "deterring an invasion of Taiwan must be our top priority." Secretary Hegseth, you have likewise made clear that the United States, "will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimidated" and warned that "the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent."
Over the last two years, the Senate has continued to affirm the U.S.-Taiwan security relationship as central to the security of our interests in the Indo-Pacific, approving record military sales, appropriating hundreds of millions of dollars in FMF, and appropriating $1 billion to Defense Department security assistance efforts intended for Taiwan. These investments, along with Taiwan's own historic defense budget increase intended to facilitate American weapons, are critical to the kind of deterrence by denial that will prevent conflict. It is especially confusing that the Administration would withhold approval of the very arms purchases it aggressively pushed Taiwan to make.
We are concerned by President Trump's description of Taiwan as "a very good negotiating chip" in engagements with Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party. It is difficult to imagine how the United States might credibly project influence deterrence in the Indo-Pacific if the price of keeping up diplomatic appearances is denying our partners key deterrent capabilities. The President would do well to consider what followed when his predecessor decided to freeze a planned package of assistance to Ukraine ahead of a summit with President Putin in 2021.
Individually, instances of delayed or denied assistance test the strength of a security relationship you have described as essential. Together, despite your personal assurances earlier this year that Taiwan is not on the table in talks between President Trump and President Xi, they leave us with serious concerns about the strength of U.S. commitments to key partners and allies in Asia and across the globe.
Therefore, we request timely answers to the following questions:
Thank you for your prompt attention to these requests.
Background: As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, McConnell led the effort to secure over $1 billion in security assistance to Taiwan in the FY26 Defense Appropriations bill that was signed into law by President Trump. On May 21st, during a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Chairman McConnell also pressed Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao on reports of a freeze on $14 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, which the Administration had urged the Taiwanese to make.
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/9/mcconnell-colleagues-press-administration-on-stalled-taiwan-aid-arms
Position: The release commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and calls for a clear-eyed assessment of threats and continued efforts to outcompete those who would harm the United States.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States:
"Today, I remember the clouds of dust that filled clear blue skies twenty-five years ago, stealing away fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues. And I remember the faraway battlefields that claimed thousands more in the years that followed.
"My deepest sympathies today are with those Americans for whom the grief of September 11th is not abstract but personal and unrelenting. Time will continue to ease our nation's shared pain, but it will never fill empty seats at family tables. And so those who continue to carry the heaviest burdens of that day and its aftermath must remain in our prayers.
"But on top of remembrance and sympathy rests another national responsibility every bit as important: to give weight to the words Never Again. From the smoke and rubble of 9/11 came lessons about the fragility of our nation's security and what it takes to preserve it. We paid for these lessons with thousands of precious American lives. If we are still resolved never again to pay such a price, we must look with clear eyes at a dangerous world and redouble our efforts to outcompete those who would do us harm."
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/9/mcconnell-on-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-attacks
Kentucky Congressional Delegation Urges President Trump to Approve Kentucky’s Major Disaster Declaration
Position: The Kentucky Congressional Delegation urges President Trump to swiftly approve the Commonwealth's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation funding following severe storms and flooding in June 2026.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) led the Kentucky Congressional Delegation in urging President Donald J. Trump to swiftly approve the Commonwealth of Kentucky's request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the devastating storms, flooding, tornadoes, and severe weather that struck communities across the Commonwealth between June 17 and June 30.
The delegation's letter expresses strong support for the Commonwealth's request and asks for immediate federal assistance to help Kentucky families and communities recover.
The prolonged weather event caused widespread damage across Kentucky, claiming the lives of six Kentuckians, including three residents of Madison County, while destroying homes, damaging businesses, washing out roads and bridges, and leaving thousands without power. Nineteen counties and thirteen cities declared states of emergency as multiple rounds of severe weather compounded the damage over nearly two weeks. The Commonwealth formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration on July 23.
"Kentucky families have endured an extraordinary stretch of severe weather, and many communities are facing a long road to recovery," said Congressman Barr. "The damage across Central Kentucky, especially in Madison County where lives were tragically lost and neighborhoods were devastated, underscores the urgent need for federal assistance. I'm joining together with the Kentucky Congressional Delegation to urge a swift approval of Kentucky's disaster declaration request so that our communities have the resources they need to rebuild."
The delegation wrote to the President in part, "A total of 42 homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, and over 100 businesses have been affected. Many roads, bridges, and electric infrastructure are severely damaged, causing a considerable economic impact across the state. Volunteers along with state and local emergency response organizations have been working tirelessly to clear debris and muck out flooded homes. However, with the recent string of disasters that Kentucky has faced, many disaster response teams in the state are fatigued and overwhelmed. Given the substantial damage and the challenges faced by state and local resources, we believe Federal assistance is necessary."
The Commonwealth's request seeks federal Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation funding for affected Kentucky communities.
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/7/kentucky-congressional-delegation-urges-president-trump-to-approve-kentucky-s-major-disaster-declaration
More Than 60+ Senators Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Hold Purchasers Of Russian Oil Accountable
Position: The release states that senators introduced the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 to impose sanctions and tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas in order to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine.
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Darline Graham (R-SC) led more than 60 members of the Senate in introducing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the effort last week and secured an agreement with the White House on Friday, before his death. Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham first introduced legislation to bring primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia's aggression in Ukraine in April 2025, and have spent the last year building support for the effort in Congress and the Administration.
"Ukraine is at a critical crossroads — and we must meet this pivotal moment with a powerful sanctions bill. As Ukraine turns the tide on the battlefield, our Russia sanctions bill would be historically impactful in stopping Russia's murderous slaughter," Blumenthal said. "When Senator Graham and I last spoke, he was absolutely exultant, calling from Kyiv with news that President Trump would support this bill to impose scorching tariffs and sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil and stop them from fueling Putin's war machine. Now is the time to push Russia toward peace. Ukraine is gaining net territory and reaching deep into Russia with its drones and missiles. Sanctions provide a path toward peace. Our bill is the product of lengthy, detailed, difficult bipartisan work, and now has broad bipartisan support. Passing this legislation right now would be a fitting tribute to Senator Graham's fierce support for Ukraine's freedom."
"Until the very day he passed, Lindsey remained focused on passing the Russia sanctions bill. Passing this legislation would honor my brother's steadfast commitment to our national security and it would provide President Trump with additional leverage to bring this war to an end. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to President Trump's desk," said Senator Darline Graham.
"Lindsey was a firm believer that the United States is a force for good around the world, and he worked tirelessly on this important effort," said Thune. "I'm proud to support this legislation that not only honors our friend and colleague, but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia's war machine. I can't think of a better way to honor his legacy."
The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL); U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE); U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME); U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Majority Whip; U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA); U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY); U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ); U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC); U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA); U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV); U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE); U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI); U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA); U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT); U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT); U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA); U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK); U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI); U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK); U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO); U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM); U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD); U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR); U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD); U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND); U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH); U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE); U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV); U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD); U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX); U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA); U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL); U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC); U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS); U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL); U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA); U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK); and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).
"Russia is losing ground, it is suffering tens of thousands of casualties each month and Ukraine continues to bring the consequences of the war to the Kremlin's doorstep through its deep strike campaign. Putin is in an incredibly precarious position both at home and on the battlefield. This legislation would level tough new sanctions on Russia and choke off key export markets for the energy it sells to fund its war machine. We must seize on the opportunity before us to finally exert economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring this war to a close," said Shaheen.
"One of the many pillars of Senator Graham's exemplary career of public service was his dedication to putting America's national security first and promoting liberty around the world. It is an honor to help champion one of his highest priorities: imposing crushing sanctions to cripple Russia's war machine and hold those fueling it accountable. Putin's war against Ukraine has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and it must end. Lindsey believed that getting this legislation passed and signed into law would be the most consequential thing he achieved in his career. I am sincerely grateful to Senators Blumenthal, Shaheen, and Wicker for their continued leadership on this issue and, very importantly, for the support of President Trump and the White House—these sanctions will provide President Trump with a critical tool to hold Russia accountable and secure a lasting peace," said Britt.
"This bipartisan bill that Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to advance couldn't be better timed. Momentum in the war has shifted toward Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia and those key purchasers of Russian oil should help add pressure for the Kremlin to finally negotiate. Having just returned from the NATO Summit, I can share that we and our NATO allies are united in wanting to see Ukraine prevail in this bloody war started by Vladimir Putin. I am pleased to help co-lead this timely legislation," said Durbin.
"We should enact this bipartisan measure to exert maximum economic pressure on Putin's war machine and help bring this unjust war to an end," said Wicker.
"Today's bill continues the work of the late Senator Graham, my dear friend and one of Ukraine's most relentless advocates in the Senate," said Whitehouse. "This forceful, bipartisan measure will disrupt the Kremlin's massive oil and gas economy, up the financial stakes, and help achieve victory for Ukraine."
"I am proud to support the imposition of new, hard-hitting sanctions on key sectors of Russia's war economy, including the shadow fleet, and penalties on bad actors like China who help fund the war. Russia is not winning this war against Ukraine, and applying additional pressure now will force Putin to shift his calculus and bring us closer to ending the war. In honor of our friend Lindsey Graham, I strongly encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation and send it to the President's desk as soon as possible," said Risch.
"Ukraine is winning on the battlefield against Russian invaders, and there's much more the United States can do to strangle Russia's war machine without putting ourselves at risk. Curbing Russian revenue by sanctioning the foreign buyers of their oil that are keeping Russia's economy and military afloat will strengthen Ukraine, weaken Moscow, and hasten a just and lasting end to this war," said Coons.
"Putin's invasion of Ukraine unleashed destruction, chaos and bloodshed in the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Our legislation sends a clear message to Putin: your unprovoked, violent invasion comes at an enormous cost. The late-Senator Graham was a champion of this bipartisan legislation, and I'm proud to help move it forward as an original cosponsor," Grassley said.
"For over four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their courage in the face of Vladimir Putin's war offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. Amid Putin's intransigence at the negotiating table and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must make Russia pay a further price," said Bennet. "This bill will impose greater pressure on Putin to end his unprovoked war, especially as Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield and as the Russian economy struggles under the weight of U.S. and allied measures. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine's pursuit of a just and durable end to this war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Backing Ukraine today will be our best deterrence against authoritarian ambitions tomorrow."
"Vladimir Putin's unprovoked war has dragged on for more than four years. As Senator Graham knew well, raising the costs on Russia is the only solution. Our bill will further restrict their energy sales to strangle Putin's war machine and bring him to the negotiating table. Congress should pass this bill immediately and help finish a war Lindsey fought so hard to end," said Cotton.
"This measure is a tribute to Senator Graham's tenacious, bipartisan work in support of Ukraine, and a necessary step to deprive Putin's war machine of financial resources for its illegal invasion," said Reed.
"South Carolina lost a statesman, and I lost a friend. Lindsey Graham spent his time in the Senate reminding us that peace is protected by strength, and that America has a responsibility to stand up to dictators who threaten our allies, our interests, and the values we hold dear," said Tim Scott. "This legislation is a fitting way to honor Lindsey's legacy: tough, principled, and focused on keeping America safe. Lindsey would be proud to see Republicans and Democrats come together in support of his and the President's goal to end Moscow's senseless war in Ukraine."
"Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine has gone on long enough, and I believe this legislation is an important step on bringing this bloody, unprovoked conflict to an end," said King. "This war has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides unnecessarily, and we believe that this step will finally bring Putin face to face with the reality that he is not going to be successful in subjugating the Ukrainian people."
"This is a pivotal moment in the Ukrainian people's fight to protect their freedom. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and patriotism and real expertise on the battlefield, Russians are becoming increasingly exhausted by Putin's war, which his own finance officials are telling him he can't afford," said Kaine. "This is the perfect time for the United States to bring down the full force of comprehensive sanctions on Russia, and I'm proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in putting forward a plan that would do that."
"Vladimir Putin's brutal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine must end. As Ukraine makes important gains on the battlefield, now is the time to increase the economic pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Putin's war machine," said Collins. "Senator Lindsey Graham understood the consequences of allowing Putin's aggression to go unchecked and worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for this consequential legislation. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, which would both honor Lindsey's legacy and help pressure Putin to bring an end to this horrific war."
"The fastest way to end this illegal war is to cut off the money that Putin is using to fuel it," said Kelly. "Stronger sanctions will put pressure on Putin and those helping him. This is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and strengthens U.S. national security."
"As Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them," said Ernst. "This legislation carries forward the tireless work Senator Graham was doing until his final days and strengthens the fight I've led for years against Putin's shadow fleet, shutting down the network of tankers and shell insurers keeping his oil money flowing and fueling this war."
"For more than four years, Vladimir Putin has conducted a brutal, unprovoked war against Ukraine in an attempt to take over a sovereign nation. The time is now for the U.S. to increase pressure and do all we can to end this war and send a clear message to Putin that he cannot act with impunity. This is why I'm joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring forward this critical bipartisan bill to make those who enable Russia's energy and defense sectors pay a heavy price," said Rosen.
"Lindsey Graham was clear eyed on Putin and fought for years to build peace through strength," said Ricketts. "This bill is a small part of his legacy combatting a foreign adversary threatening peace and prosperity for Americans. Sanctioning Putin and his cronies is necessary for undermining their aggression around the world."
"Senator Graham was unyielding in his support for the Ukrainian people as they fight to defend their sovereignty, and I can think of few ways more fitting to honor him than by finishing what he started and imposing strict sanctions on the bad actors who have supported Russia's war against Ukraine," said Cornyn. "I'm proud to join with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation, which will honor Lindsey's legacy, help dismantle Putin's war machine, and strengthen U.S. national security."
"Standing with the Ukrainian people has been a bipartisan goal of our Congress for more than four years. This bill reaffirms that commitment by enacting the sanctions needed to curtail Russia's primary source of income and cripple its war effort — the single most important thing the U.S. government can do to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," said Schiff.
"The surest way to bring about peace through strength and get Putin to the negotiating table is to cut off the money funding his war machine. This bipartisan legislation delivers real consequences for those keeping Russia's economy afloat. Senator Lindsey Graham spent years leading this fight, and passing this bill will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to American strength and the cause of freedom," said Sheehy.
"Since I visited Ukraine with Lindsey Graham and John McCain in 2016, Lindsey and I worked together in support of Ukraine's democracy, meeting with President Zelenskyy multiple times and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. This legislation will add significant economic pressure on Russia, helping to move us closer to ending this war," said Klobuchar.
"As long as Vladimir Putin's war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue," said Curtis. "This bipartisan legislation gives a powerful tool to increase pressure on Russia, hold its enablers accountable, and ensure Russia does not win this war."
"We must hold Russia and its enablers accountable, and stand with Ukraine," said Fetterman. "This is just and important legislation. I know it will honor our late colleague Senator Lindsey Graham."
"These strong sanctions, a top priority I shared with my friend and our late colleague Senator Graham, are critically important to weakening Putin's grip in Ukraine, imposing severe costs on those supporting Russia's unprovoked war of aggression, and undermining the energy-fueled Russian war machine that threatens our allies," said Sullivan.
"Ukraine is in the fight of their lives, and this bipartisan announcement is the boost they need to inflict maximum pain on Russia," said Duckworth. "Our bipartisan bill will rightfully hit foreign buyers of Russian oil with heavy sanctions, cutting Putin off from the money machine funding his unprovoked war of aggression against our ally. Senator Graham knew it and we do too: The United States must remain united with Ukraine, now and always."
"Ukraine is standing strong against Russian aggression, but the United States must use every tool possible to help secure a lasting peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire region," said Peters. "Imposing strong sanctions on Russia would send a clear message that the American people will always stand alongside Ukraine against Putin's invasion."
"Putin is a murderous KGB thug, and the countries still buying Russian oil and natural gas know they are funding his war against Ukraine. If we cut off Russia's oil money, we cut off the weapons murdering Ukrainians. Lindsey Graham was an outspoken advocate for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. Let's finish what he started and put the pressure on Russia and everyone who bankrolls them," said Lankford.
"This bill honors Senator Lindsey Graham's legacy by strengthening pressure on Russia and those who continue to finance Vladimir Putin's illegal and brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens our own national security and economic interests. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to continue the work that our late friend and colleague fought so hard to advance," said Hyde-Smith.
"By securing this agreement with the White House to impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, Senator Graham delivered a powerful tool to hold those who are enabling Putin's war accountable," said Blackburn. "This bill will help bring this war to an end."
"Vladimir Putin's illegal war in Ukraine has raged on for too long and cost countless innocent lives. This critical legislation will hold the enablers of Putin's war machine accountable and represents one of the most consequential Congressional efforts to promote peace in Europe. Let's get this done," said Alsobrooks.
"Senator Graham tirelessly worked to impose real consequences on Putin and end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. This bipartisan and thoughtfully crafted legislation is a testament to his tremendous leadership," said Boozman. "I am proud to join my colleagues and send a clear message that Senator Graham's work will not go unfinished and that Moscow must finally end its unprovoked attack on Ukrainian sovereignty."
"The United States and our allies must stand up to Putin's unprovoked war against Ukraine by choking off funds for his war machine and his political cronies. Putin's invasion is a gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and it is critical that the United States support the people of Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression. This legislation will strengthen our efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the War in Ukraine," said Van Hollen.
"The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression. This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine," said Cramer.
"Russia's war against Ukraine, which has killed far too many and upended global stability, must come to an end," said Capito. "This legislation empowers President Trump to cut off the financial flows that enable Putin's deadly invasion and to impose serious consequences on the countries that are helping finance Russia's war machine. I'm proud to join my colleagues in honoring Senator Graham's life by advancing this effort to strengthen America's national security and give President Trump the economic leverage to secure a lasting peace."
"For years, Senator Lindsey Graham led the effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and support Ukraine's fight for freedom. This bill honors his legacy by tightening sanctions on the energy exports and financial tools that sustain the Russian war machine. With support from the White House and a bipartisan group of senators, we are sending a clear message to Putin: America stands with Ukraine, and we will continue working to bring this unjust war to a durable end," said Husted.
"Russia relies on oil and gas revenue to fund its war against Ukraine, and those enabling this aggression should be held accountable," said Hoeven. "This bipartisan legislation strengthens sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, reduce the resources fueling Putin's aggression, and help advance a lasting peace. Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated tremendous effort to moving this legislation forward, and Congress should act to pass it."
"Senator Lindsey Graham was relentless in his quest to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Because of his extensive work over the years, we have an opportunity to help bleed Putin's war machine dry. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking this necessary action," said Fischer.
"Senator Graham was one of the most formidable foes America's enemies ever faced in the United States Senate. He was unapologetic and uncompromising in countering the threat the Russian regime poses to American national security and the safety and security of the American people. I worked alongside my friend for years to counter those malign activities, including through sanctions legislation aimed at depriving Putin's war machine of the resources it needs to threaten America and our allies. This bipartisan legislation honors Senator Graham's legacy while advancing the badly needed policies for which he tirelessly advocated. I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay," said Cruz.
"Lindsey Graham spent his final months fighting to make sure Putin knew America's fuse hadn't burned out. Wyoming understands what it means to power the world responsibly, and it's long past time Russia stopped profiting from war while claiming to seek peace. This bill puts real teeth behind that demand by telling every nation still buying Russian oil that they're choosing a side, and it puts Putin on notice that the road to any lasting peace runs through economic ruin if he refuses to take it," said Lummis.
"Russia's unprovoked and illegal war against the people of Ukraine has left the nation scarred and battered over the last four years, but no less determined to defend its sovereignty," said Murkowski. "The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act honors Senator Graham's longstanding leadership in foreign affairs by supporting Ukraine while reaffirming America's commitment to stand with peaceful democracies against the authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy them."
"The time to increase pressure on Moscow is now. Our overwhelmingly bipartisan sanctions package has the power to cripple Putin's revenue streams by targeting the energy exports that bankroll Russia's unjust war machine. Our colleague and friend, Senator Lindsey Graham, worked tirelessly to stand up to Russian aggression, and now we have the opportunity to honor his leadership and cement his legacy," said Budd.
"This bipartisan legislation would make a difference against Russia's unjust war in Ukraine and serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham," said Moran. "America's continued involvement and leadership throughout the world are critical to deterring Vladimir Putin. This legislation sends a clear message to friends and foes alike: you can do business with Russia, or you can do business with the United States, but you can't do both. I look forward to voting for the Sanctioning Russia Act and sending it to the President to be signed into law."
"Imposing stronger sanctions on Russia will ensure America remains strong on the world stage and will help bring an end to Putin's unjust war against Ukraine. I can think of no better way to cement the legacy of Lindsey Graham, who spent years of his life devoted to this cause and to fighting for freedom across the globe," said Daines.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.
The sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, foreign persons, and Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as the Russian Shadow Fleet.
The legislation also directs the President to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on imported goods from countries that buy the majority of Russian oil, gas, and enable Russian sanctions evasion. The new text limits these tariffs to the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas.
A one-pager on the legislation is available here. The text of the bill is available here.
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/7/blumenthal-darline-graham-introduce-legislation-with-60-cosponsors-to-hold-purchasers-of-russian-oil-accountable
McConnell Remarks at SAC-D FY27 Air Force Budget Hearing
Position: The release describes concern that the Administration's FY27 defense budget structure places key priorities such as munitions contracts, F-35 procurement, Golden Dome, and drone initiatives under one-off reconciliation funding rather than full-year base appropriations, and endorses funding for the E-7 Wedgetail airborne battle management aircraft.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, delivered the following opening statement at today's hearing, "A Review of the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Air Force":
Secretary Meink, General Wilsbach, General Saltzman – welcome.
I need to begin by pointing out that this will be our last hearing with General Saltzman, who will be retiring later this summer. I'm pleased to hear you'll be returning to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Salty, I want to thank you for your decades of service to our nation. I know we'll both have more time for UK – and UofL – basketball this coming season.
Gentlemen, I also need to acknowledge at the outset the devotion and sacrifice of American servicemembers.
U.S. airmen have been at the absolute razor's edge of recent operations in the Gulf, degrading Iran's offensive capabilities, evading the enemy on the ground, bringing downed comrades home, sustaining the joint force, and, in the case of a KC-135 crew over Iraq, making the ultimate sacrifice. I know I speak for the entire subcommittee in recognizing these fallen airmen, their comrades, and their families.
We're here today to review the Administration's FY27 budget request for the Department of the Air Force.
As I've observed in discussions with the other services, major increases to topline defense spending represent a tremendous opportunity to improve readiness and lethality across the force, and industrial capacity across the nation.
At the same time, the structure of the request for the Department of Defense would put consistent funding for key priorities at unnecessary risk.
Core pieces of the President's defense agenda, like multi-year procurement contracts for critical munitions, half of the F-35 program, Golden Dome, and drone dominance initiatives, are requested as one-off reconciliation spending, not full-year base appropriations.
This is especially mystifying for multiyear procurement contracts. I mean, the need to budget for them annually is right there in the name.
But it's more than just a contradiction in terms. It's also a recipe for major disruptions in the very possible event that party-line reconciliation fails. The Administration's choice to structure an ambitious $1.5 trillion dollar request in this way is yet another missed opportunity to put key aspects of our common defense on a stronger and more enduring fiscal footing.
Specific to the Air Force and the Space Force, a few observations:
First, I'm encouraged to see the Department acknowledge the need for the E-7 wedgetail airborne battle management aircraft. This platform meets a current-day need with a current-day capability. And the Department's alignment with this priority is a welcome investment in resiliency as we continue to build out space-based capabilities that will serve our joint force in the future.
I'm also glad to see the FY27 request begin to address the issue of operational readiness rates by investing more in F-35 spares. But the Department will continue to step on its own tail if it insists in housing procurement of new airframes primarily in one-off reconciliation spending.
If fielding the F-35 remains an operational necessity both for the United States and for key allies, there's really no excuse for not placing it squarely in full-year appropriations.
General Saltzman, I'm glad that this request represents a massive opportunity for Space Force procurement of key systems. But I worry whether industrial capacity will be able to meet a sudden surge in spending, pending a clearer picture of how the Department plans to sustain steadily increasing investment over the out-years. So I'll want to hear from you on how the Space Force is thinking about longer-term scaling.
Finally, at a fundamental level, I'm curious to hear from each of you about how the Department of the Air Force is applying the lessons of the modern battlefield. I'm concerned that the Pentagon as a whole is not learning quickly enough from the battlefields in Ukraine and the Gulf. And failure to learn and adapt, particularly when it comes to force protection and counter-drone technology, has real and measurable costs.
Speaking of which, there's clearly a need for supplemental funds to cover critical operational costs incurred in the Gulf, to recapture readiness, and to make serious down payments against the munitions shortfalls that long predate operations against Iran.
I would encourage the Administration to create such an opportunity, and would hope each of our colleagues would seize it.
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/6/mcconnell-remarks-at-sac-d-fy27-air-force-budget-hearing
McConnell Remarks at SAC-D FY27 Navy Budget Hearing
Position: The release criticizes the structure of the FY2027 Navy budget request, arguing that funding munitions and aircraft procurement through one-time reconciliation funds rather than annual base appropriations is a mistake, and calls for timely delivery of the F/A-XX fighter program.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, delivered the following opening statement at today's hearing, "A Review of the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Navy":
I want to start by acknowledging the men and women of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. They continue to meet lengthy deployments, a high operational tempo, and evolving threats with professionalism, determination, and bravery that are a credit to the entire joint force.
You know as well as anyone how the operational capacity of the fleet, the production capacity of the industrial base, and the depth of our magazines are being tested today. You know how little room for mistakes there is in the training, readiness, and deployment of the world's greatest fighting force.
So I must tell you: the way PB27 is structured – particularly in accounts that matter a great deal to the Department of the Navy – is a mistake… And unfortunately, it's not a new one:
Last year, the ink was barely dry on the one-time reconciliation investment in shipbuilding when this Subcommittee began to hear from uniformed leaders about budget discrepancies, shortfalls, and broken glass in major accounts.
This didn't come as a surprise – it was the avoidable consequence of treating one-time infusions of cash like a substitute for full-year base budget spending.
This is not a mistake worth repeating. But the way OMB has structured your budget suggests the Administration is willing to run even more significant risks in FY27.
Take munitions: Last year, the Subcommittee fully funded one of the Navy's top unfunded priorities: accelerated development of the MACE cruise missile.
This year, the budget request would put funds for procuring these new munitions not in sustainable, annual discretionary appropriations but in a one-time reconciliation slug.
Likewise, the budget request strangely splits funding of multiyear procurement contracts for key Navy munitions between annual appropriations and one-time reconciliation.
Gentlemen, the entire premise of multiyear procurement is consistent yearly appropriations.
How the Department expects to send a consistent and reliable demand signal to industry with one-off reconciliation cash is beyond me.
To be clear, I'm glad to see basic things like ship operations appropriately built into the FY27 base. And the same goes for sustainment of the F-35 – even belatedly, it's good to see this critical platform's operational readiness prioritized.
But requesting new procurement for this aircraft in one-time reconciliation spending is an unnecessary risk.
Also on the topic of aviation, I hope you have good news on F/A-XX. We've seen more than a year's worth of delays and $250 million wasted on contract extensions for F/A-XX.
Our adversaries have American air superiority in their crosshairs, and the longer we delay these investments, the more our edge is blunted.
Admiral Caudle, I know you've been outspoken on the important "workhorse" role that destroyers play in today's surface fleet.
So I'll also need to hear you square this request's failure to include a second DDG with the continued high demand for their capabilities.
Gentlemen, another topic we'll need to hear from you on is the lessons you're taking from current conflicts and how they inform your thinking about Navy and Marine Corps modernization.
In recent months, Iran has extracted a price, effectively striking U.S. and partner military targets across the region. We've also continued to use exquisite interceptors to take down cheap, attritable drones. Why haven't we adapted more quickly to the modern battlefield?
Two weeks ago, Iran used small boats and drones against U.S. destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening these billion-dollar warships and the sailors who operate them.
What are we doing to increase protection while reducing the cost of defending these ships? Should we be using drone boats to add layers of protection for sailors? Why aren't we more prepared to use drones for counter-mine operations?
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to use drone vessels effectively against Russian assets in the Black Sea. What happens if Iran learns these lessons before we do? Or when China adopts them at scale?
At the most basic level, what is the Department of the Navy doing to ensure that U.S. sailors and Marines benefit from every possible advantage of modern military technology?
If you ask me, one of the obvious ways to do is to continue to invest in the alliances and partnerships that extend our reach and amplify our deterrent power.
There is nothing to be gained from opting out of close engagement with battlefield experts like the Ukrainians… and with capable and committed partners from the first island chain to NATO's eastern front.
Mr. Secretary, Admiral Caudle, General Smith – I'll look forward to hearing your views on these and other topics.
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/5/mcconnell-remarks-at-sac-d-fy27-navy-budget-hearing
McConnell Remarks at SAC-D FY27 Army Budget Hearing
Position: Senator McConnell cautions that relying on one-time reconciliation funding for Army munitions and procurement in the FY27 budget request is risky, and argues that critical munitions should be funded through stable, year-on-year base discretionary appropriations.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, delivered the following opening statement at today's hearing, "A Review of the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Army":
I want to start by acknowledging the men and women of the U.S. Army working every day to defend America and confront our adversaries. Their jobs are dangerous but essential. And the sacrifices of the 272 soldiers wounded and the seven who gave their lives in Operation Epic Fury will not be forgotten.
They are, of course, only the latest servicemembers to be killed by Iran in its decades-long war against America. But, God willing, they will be the last.
This subcommittee's job is to make sure that the soldiers under your command are equipped to deter and, if necessary, defeat threats to our global interests, wherever they arise. And the substantial increase to topline spending in the FY27 request gives us an opportunity to make overdue progress.
But, as I've said before, what happens under that topline matters a great deal. The amount we're willing to invest in stable, robust, year-on-year appropriations is what will determine the Army's readiness for strategic competition with peer adversaries, its ability to adapt to modern warfare, and even its magazine depth for conflict of any scale.
This is where I need to offer a few words of caution, and where I know a number of my colleagues will have questions.
The reliance of this budget request on one-time reconciliation spending is a risky approach to funding the joint force.
And the Army's budget illustrates the risks pretty clearly:
A majority of the funds the Army requires for critical munitions have been requested by OMB as mandatory spending instead of base discretionary spending.
$24 billion of the $36 billion the Army spends on replenishing stocks of precision fires and interceptors would come as a one-time slug of cash, if reconciliation passes at all.
These funds would have no protection against the short-term continuing resolutions that have become the norm at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Munitions are now ostensibly a top priority of this Administration. And the Deputy Secretary has rightly devoted enormous attention and resources to the problem – one we should all know took many years to create and will take years of consistent funding to solve…
…And yet, barely a third of total munitions investments required by the Army are built into the full-year base budget.
For all the talk about sending a clear demand signal to industry, this strikes me as an unnecessary risk.
And I'll need to hear more from you about how this approach can possibly align with the long-term task ahead of us on restoring the munitions industrial base in America.
The nature of modern warfare is changing, and recent events in the Middle East suggest the U.S. military may not be adapting as quickly as necessary. That said, I appreciate the Army's efforts to identify and apply lessons learned from Ukraine and the Middle East.
Mr. Secretary, I appreciate your willingness to call it like you see it. And I think you were absolutely right to identify the battlefield innovation taking place in Ukraine as "the Silicon Valley of warfare".
Likewise, Members of this subcommittee were recently briefed by General Chris Donahue and Lieutenant General Curtis Buzzard.
It was clear that they, too, understand the path to drone dominance runs through partnership with the world's foremost experts in drone warfare, the Ukrainians.
This fact is so clear that it's difficult to understand why more senior officials at the Pentagon, particularly those directly responsible for Ukraine policy or military modernization, haven't followed the example you and General George set back in November by actually seeing this battle lab of tactical, technical, and industrial innovation firsthand in Ukraine.
Regrettably, General George was recently fired and I understand both of these innovating, reform-minded combat veterans are set to retire.
It's pretty clear to me that America doesn't stand to gain from opting out of the latest battlefield lessons… or the sort of cooperation with Ukraine on drone technology that our allies in the Gulf are urgently embracing.
And making modest investments in this cooperation to ensure that U.S. soldiers have access to the latest battle-proven lessons and technology as they forge new doctrine seems like money well-spent.
That's why I'm concerned that the vast majority of the funds the Department requested for drone and counter-drone capabilities would come in the form of one-off reconciliation.
If adapting to this reality of modern warfare is a priority – as Department leaders say it is – then we ought to prove it by making room in the full-year base budget.
I'll want to hear from you about how the Army values ties with capable partners in Ukraine… and about what our troops get out of engagement with frontline NATO allies, as well.
These relationships repay U.S. investments and then some. But they're under unnecessary strain. Threats to allies like Denmark and surprise force posture changes that affect model host allies like Poland are self-defeating.
Mr. Secretary, General LaNeve – I'll look forward to hearing your views on these and other topics.
Permalink: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/5/mcconnell-remarks-at-sac-d-fy27-army-budget-hearing
Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
Recent stock activity
Periodic transaction reports filed under the STOCK Act — disclosed by the rep, sourced from public filings.
No disclosed trades on record.
Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.FREEDOM FUND2 contributions$10,000
2.TOMORROW IS MEANINGFUL PAC-TIM PAC1 contribution$5,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.SELF$1,071
2.STAPLETON ASSOCIATES$1,000
3.BABBAGE STRATEGY$500
4.BRAMER GROUP$250
5.MILLER OK TIRE$200
6.CHEMSTONE$200
7.LEONARDO DRS$150
8.ALVAREZ AND MARSAL$140
9.HVI$100
10.HUFCO$100
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
