McConnell says no to delay on votes to accommodate Dem presidential hopefuls

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made clear Tuesday that Democrats are going to have to filibuster the fiscal 2020 defense authorization bill if they do not want final votes this week.

The Kentucky Republican opened the Senate with criticism of Monday afternoon’s statement by Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., that defense policy bill votes, including consideration of a key amendment regarding limitations on the use of funds for war with Iran, should be delayed until after this week’s Democratic presidential debates.

“Postpone legislation on our national defense to accommodate the presidential race? In the middle of this ongoing crisis overseas? Come on. Come on,” McConnell said.

McConnell described his own reaction to Schumer’s request as “incredulous.”

“I’m sorry our Democratic friends feel compelled to skip out so they can compete for the favor of ‘the resistance,’” McConnell said. “The rest of us, the Republican majority — we’re going to be right here, we’re going to be right here working and voting to make America stronger and safer.”