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Mitch Mcconnell

All articles tagged with #mitch mcconnell

Federal Hemp Ban Threatens $28B Industry and 225,000 Jobs
politics6 days ago

Federal Hemp Ban Threatens $28B Industry and 225,000 Jobs

A federal law set to take effect on December 11, 2026, will ban most hemp-derived THC products, threatening a $28 billion industry and 225,000 jobs. The ban, inserted into a 2025 funding bill by Sen. Mitch McConnell, closes a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed hemp products to contain high THC levels. While the hemp industry lobbies for compromises like age restrictions, the regulated marijuana sector argues the loophole was exploited. Companies are diversifying or closing as the deadline approaches.

McConnell Returns to Senate in Silence, Igniting Debate Over Fitness to Serve
politics17 days ago

McConnell Returns to Senate in Silence, Igniting Debate Over Fitness to Serve

Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to Capitol Hill last week after a three-month absence following a June fall that left him unconscious. On Wednesday, the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican remained silent as reporters questioned him about his health and his wife Elaine Chao’s delayed return from China. While allies describe his return as 'classic Mitch,' critics argue his nonverbal responses and apparent confusion during votes raise serious concerns about his capacity to serve. McConnell, who stepped down as Senate Republican leader in early 2025, will not seek reelection, with his term ending in January 2027.

McConnell Reemerges as 'Classic Mitch,' Allies Say He's Back in Form
politics22 days ago

McConnell Reemerges as 'Classic Mitch,' Allies Say He's Back in Form

After a summer of health issues, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell returns to the Capitol, with colleagues calling his comeback 'classic Mitch' as he emphasizes preserving the filibuster and backing Ukraine. He won't seek reelection and will retire after more than 40 years in the Senate, easing Republicans' concerns about vote math and leadership.

McConnell Returns, GOP Moves Farm Bill Forward Amid SNAP Dispute
politics23 days ago

McConnell Returns, GOP Moves Farm Bill Forward Amid SNAP Dispute

Senate Republicans used Mitch McConnell’s return to push the farm bill out of the Agriculture Committee 12-11 along party lines, sending it to the full Senate. The bill, which sets national policy on agriculture and nutrition, faces stiff Democratic opposition over proposed changes to SNAP, and will require 60 votes to advance. Though the committee vote progresses, Democrats demand SNAP-related concessions, and the broader path remains uncertain as funding for many programs extends beyond September.

McConnell’s frail return prompts GOP guidance as he nearly votes with Democrats
us-politics24 days ago

McConnell’s frail return prompts GOP guidance as he nearly votes with Democrats

Back on the Hill after hospitalization, 84-year-old Mitch McConnell appeared frail at a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, needing assistance as a clerk called votes; a fellow Republican, John Boozman, leaned in to cue him to say 'aye,' allowing the farm bill to advance and fueling debate over aging lawmakers. The moment comes after McConnell’s recovery from recent health issues, with his team emphasizing he will participate in tough votes when needed.

McConnell’s 92 days of paid leave fuels online backlash over lawmakers’ pay
world24 days ago

McConnell’s 92 days of paid leave fuels online backlash over lawmakers’ pay

Senate Republican Mitch McConnell returned after a 92‑day absence caused by a fall and pneumonia, drawing online scrutiny over taxpayer-funded pay for absent lawmakers amid discussions of unpaid family leave for ordinary workers. Payroll data show he earned about $43,500 during the absence while his office staff continued to be paid, and he cited lingering effects of childhood polio as he pledged to attend major votes as he resumes duties.

McConnell Back in the Chamber as Health Hurdle Clears, Returns to Key Senate Votes
politics25 days ago

McConnell Back in the Chamber as Health Hurdle Clears, Returns to Key Senate Votes

Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate after more than three months hospitalized following a fall, casting his first vote since June and saying he’ll be present for crucial votes even though he’s not yet at 100% due to lingering effects from childhood polio. With a narrow 53-47 GOP majority, his absence had spurred questions about leadership as Democrats used the moment to push a resolution on Iran; McConnell is not seeking an eighth term and is set to finish his final term in January 2027.

McConnell Resumes Senate Service After 92-Day Health Hiatus
politics26 days ago

McConnell Resumes Senate Service After 92-Day Health Hiatus

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell returned to the Capitol after a 92‑day health absence stemming from a June fall, pneumonia, and rehab, casting his first vote since June and indicating he’ll try to be present for tough votes as he continues physical therapy; the 84-year-old leader is not seeking reelection and will leave office in January, a return that temporarily restores GOP voting capacity in a 53–47 Senate.

McConnell Returns to Senate, Aims to Finish the Job as Farm Bill Looms
politics26 days ago

McConnell Returns to Senate, Aims to Finish the Job as Farm Bill Looms

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell returns to the Senate after a three‑month absence following a June fall and lingering effects from childhood polio. He says he’s not yet back to full strength but will participate in important votes as he continues physical therapy, including a farm bill markup in which his presence is pivotal for Republicans who hold a slim majority. McConnell, 84, is retiring at year’s end and has faced health concerns in recent years, including a concussion and rib fracture in 2023.

McConnell Returns to Senate After Three-Month Health Hiatus
politics26 days ago

McConnell Returns to Senate After Three-Month Health Hiatus

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell returned to the Capitol for the first time in three months after health issues stemming from a June fall and pneumonia, arriving in a wheelchair and casting his first vote since June as he continues recovery and physical therapy. His comeback ends a period of health speculation and transparency questions, while Kentucky’s 2026 race to replace him presses on with Rep. Andy Barr and former state lawmaker Charles Booker facing off in November.