Recent Press Releases
Sen. McConnell Talks to Agriculture Secretary about Drought Impact on Kentucky Farmers
July 27, 2012
Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell spoke with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today regarding the devastation Kentucky’s farmers are experiencing because of the severe drought conditions.
During the conversation, Senator McConnell updated Secretary Vilsack on the latest conditions in Kentucky, including the fact that nearly all of Kentucky’s counties are being impacted by the drought. McConnell also thanked Secretary Vilsack for declaring a disaster declaration in 33 counties in Kentucky.
Senator McConnell told him that “Kentucky farmers and livestock operators are very concerned they don’t have the tools readily available to enable them to manage the risk caused by the drought.” The Senator also urged him to “look at all legal authorities and budgetary options to assist Kentucky farmers.”
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following Thursday on the need to pass the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act:
I am extremely disappointed the Senate was unable to come to an agreement on the annual renewal of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act. Today I offered to call up BFDA and pass it as a standalone measure. Though I support passing the other trade measures reported out of the Finance Committee, I believe this is a fair resolution in order to respond to the expiring sanctions, and one that would help Congress continue to move forward on passing BFDA while differences on other unrelated trade matters could be resolved. Unfortunately, passing BFDA as a freestanding measure was objected to by a Democrat colleague. I am unaware of any Republican Senator concerns to passing BFDA while negotiations continue on the other trade bills.