Outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced he will chair the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense during the 119th Congress.
“America’s national security interests face the gravest array of threats since the Second World War,” McConnell said. “At this critical moment, a new Senate Republican majority has a responsibility to secure the future of U.S. leadership and primacy.”
He expressed his commitment to this mission. “I intend to play an active role in this urgent mission as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and look forward to working closely with incoming Chair Susan Collins to accomplish our shared goal,” he added.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, serves as the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
McConnell will also lead the Senate Rules Committee. “The Senate Rules Committee will have important work to accomplish in the 119th Congress, and I look forward to leading it as Chairman,” he said.
He emphasized the committee’s importance. “Defending the Senate as an institution and protecting the right to political speech in our elections remain among my longest-standing priorities,” McConnell stated. “Ranking Member Deb Fischer has done an outstanding job advancing these causes, and I know she will remain a key partner in the committee’s ongoing work.”
McConnell, 82, has served in the U.S. Senate since 1985. He will soon mark his 40-year milestone in the chamber, with his current term running until early 2027.
This year, McConnell announced his current term as Senate Republican leader would be his last. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., is set to succeed him next year.
Republicans regained the Senate majority in the 2024 elections, positioning Thune as the next Senate majority leader.
“John Thune’s election is a clear endorsement of a consummate leader,” McConnell said. “The confidence our colleagues have placed in John’s legislative experience and political skill is well deserved.”
He expressed optimism for the future. “The American people elected Republicans to restore stability and order after four years of Washington Democrats’ failure,” McConnell stated. “John Thune will take the reins with a tremendous opportunity to lead this transformation, and Senate Republicans stand behind him, ready to get to work.”