I was encouraged by the President’s nomination of Jay Clayton to be the Director of National Intelligence. Mr. Clayton is known to the Senate, and his distinguished prior service, overseeing sensitive financial investigations as SEC Chair and leading consequential national security prosecutions as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, suggests he has the intellect, temperament, managerial capacity, discretion, and experience required by statute for this position. I look forward to the Senate’s consideration of his nomination.

Democrats’ reckless blockade of border security and law enforcement is finally behind us. If there’s a lesson to take from their months of madness, it’s the importance of regular-order, full-year funding bills. And that’s where I’ll continue to put my full attention.

I’m grateful for President Trump’s announcement today that provides significant federal funding for the coal industry in Kentucky. The President’s continued support of coal is a welcome contrast from the Obama-Biden years, when the federal government actively undermined the livelihood of thousands of miners and industry professionals. Those days are no longer. People across the country still depend on coal-fired power for reliable and affordable energy, and it still helps keep the lights on in Kentucky. Support for coal is critical to our nation’s security and the economic well-being of everyday Americans.

It was great to be at Chad Meredith’s investiture today in Lexington, Kentucky, as he officially takes his seat on the federal bench. I’m confident in Chad’s future, and I’m excited for all his coming success as a federal judge.

Families across Kentucky have suffered from the opioid and substance abuse epidemic for far too long. After years of heartbreaking loss, there is finally a glimmer of hope: overdose deaths in Kentucky declined by nearly 23% last year. This progress is encouraging, but our work is far from over. We must keep dangerous drugs out of our communities and support those in recovery. As long as I serve in the Senate, I will keep fighting to prevent and treat addiction in Kentucky. spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisvi…

On Memorial Day, we remember those who put their lives on the line in defense of American freedom. My father was a foot soldier who fought during World War II on the Eastern front. His bravery, and the bravery and determination of his fellow soldiers helped us achieve victory over evil, and so many of his brothers in arms did not make it home. So today we honor them and pledge to move forward with pride and the continued strength to come together to protect and defend our country.

This week, I’m honored to join communities throughout the U.S. in celebrating National Police Week. Every day, law enforcement officers across the country answer the call to serve and defend our communities. I’m proud to continue my work in the Senate supporting these devoted public servants—federal, state, and local—who put their lives on the line for the security of the American people, and I’m grateful for their bravery and tireless efforts to protect Kentuckians across the Commonwealth.

It was great to attend the groundbreaking of the Brent Spence Bridge today. I was proud to champion this project in the Senate, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that provided billions in federal funding for Kentucky’s infrastructure. Many thanks to all those involved with getting this done. I’m glad that we could celebrate this accomplishment together, and I’m excited to see this bridge go up. sen.gov/52V7Y

I’m proud to cosponsor @SenJoniErnst’s resolution recognizing this week as National Small Business Week. Kentucky is home to 393,860 small businesses that employ more than 710,000 people and make up the backbone of the Commonwealth’s economy. I’m glad to honor so many hardworking people across our state, and I remain committed to supporting pro-growth policies in the U.S. Senate that help Kentuckians achieve the American Dream.

With the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby this Saturday, the President’s decision to roll back tariffs on bourbon and whiskey is timely and welcome news. 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in the Commonwealth and the industry employs more than 23,000 hardworking Kentuckians. This move will give businesses the certainty they need to increase investment in Kentucky’s economy. After more than a year of looming high prices and increased costs, Kentucky’s bourbon industry and the consumers that support it can be hopeful for the future.

Three months ago, Congress passed more aid for Ukraine, and @POTUS signed it into law. It’s not charity – it is an investment in a partnership with the world’s leaders in drone technology. Who is withholding appropriated funds from Ukraine? Are senior defense officials unwilling or not allowed to visit Ukraine? washingtonpost.com/opinions/…

I enjoyed visiting with my friends from @KyElectricCoops. I appreciate their advocacy efforts at the federal level, and I’m grateful for their work providing customers across the Commonwealth with reliable electricity.

Clearly, King Charles wants America to know our allies, who came to our aid after 9/11, still look to us for leadership. On the importance of NATO and handing Russia a defeat in Ukraine, his message is crystal clear.

Dirk Kempthorne was a good man, and the U.S. Senate is fortunate to lay even a small claim to his tremendous legacy of public service. Dirk’s goodness was evident in the way he put the concerns of small-town Idahoans at the center of every debate. Even more so, it showed in his devotion to his wife, Patricia, and their children, Heather and Jeff. Today, I join many former colleagues who remember Dirk fondly in keeping his family in our thoughts.

Great to see my friends from the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association this week. I appreciate all the work they do on behalf of our cattle farmers across Kentucky, and I’m grateful for their advocacy efforts.

This is good news. Good if you want peace for Ukraine. Good if you want greater burden-sharing on defense. nytimes.com/2026/04/22/world…

Glad to lead discussion with @USNationalGuard and Reserve leaders on FY2027 funding and the future of warfare. A majority of the servicemembers killed in action since March 1st, including two Kentuckians, have been members of the Guard and Reserve. It’s critical that our entire force learns and applies the lessons of current conflicts. My full remarks: mcconnell.senate.gov/public/…

Today is Tax Day, and it’s important that the American people know who has their back. Last year, Republicans delivered the largest tax cut in American history. Kentuckians will see a significant increase in take-home pay and keep more of their hard-earned dollars thanks to the Working Families @TaxCuts. Every Senate Democrat opposed this legislation and voted to raise taxes on all Americans. Senate Republicans are focused on making life easier for the average American while Democrats put working people last.

SEN MITCH McCONNELL: Hungary’s voters chose to reject corruption and cronyism; it’s time for the American right to reject the Orban myth. foxnews.com/opinion/sen-mitc…