Mitch McConnell

What they've actually done about it

Each commitment below is something this senator has publicly said they would pursue, followed by the concrete record on it: bills they authored or cosponsored, floor speeches they gave. We describe the record — we don't grade it.

• Education

  Support Career and Technical Education

  Supported efforts to promote and expand opportunities for career and technical education and workforce development, including the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell voted to pass the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353) in 2018, which became Public Law 115-224.

  On the record: 14 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill cosponsoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees".Latest action 2024-06-13
  • Bill cosponsoredNational Labor Relations Board Reform ActLatest action 2023-03-28
  • Bill cosponsoredEmployee Rights ActLatest action 2022-03-22
  • Bill cosponsoredEmployee Rights ActLatest action 2023-04-19
  • Bill cosponsoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States".Latest action 2023-04-25
  • Bill cosponsoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act".Latest action 2024-03-06
  • Bill cosponsoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard".Latest action 2021-12-09
  • Bill cosponsoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to a "Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status".Latest action 2023-11-09
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “education career technical education”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Environment

  Adjust Mammoth Cave Park Boundaries

  Repeatedly sponsored the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act to refine the park's borders for better management and conservation.

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell has sponsored the 'Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025' (S. 123, 119th Congress), which is currently undergoing hearings in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks.

  On the record: 18 bills · 1 speech

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredMammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2023Latest action 2024-12-18
  • Bill authoredMammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025Latest action 2026-07-21
  • Bill authoredMammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2022Latest action 2022-12-01
  • Bill authoredA bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to evaluate the significance of the Mill Springs Battlefield located in Pulaski and Wayne Counties, Kentucky, and the feasibility of its inclusion in the National Park System, and for other purposes.Latest action 2014-09-09
  • Bill authoredCamp Nelson Heritage National Monument ActLatest action 2018-08-15
  • Bill authoredKentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area Study ActLatest action 2019-12-05
  • Bill cosponsoredA bill to remove restrictions from a parcel of land in Paducah, Kentucky.Latest action 2026-03-04
  • Bill authoredMill Springs Battlefield National Monument ActLatest action 2018-08-15
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “environment adjust mammoth cave park”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Environment

  Support White Oak Resiliency

  Introduced the White Oak Resiliency Act to support efforts for the health and sustainability of white oak tree populations.

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell sponsored the White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025, which was introduced and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in the current Congress.

  On the record: 16 bills · 1 speech

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredWhite Oak Resiliency Act of 2025Latest action 2025-02-06
  • Bill authoredWhite Oak Resilience Act of 2024Latest action 2024-09-25
  • Bill authoredSaving Coal Jobs Act of 2013Latest action 2013-09-18
  • Bill authoredA bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide guidance and clarification regarding issuing new and renewal permits, and for other purposes.Latest action 2013-05-06
  • Bill authoredA joint resolution to disapprove a rule of the Environmental Protection Agency relating to greenhouse gas emissions from electric utility generating units.Latest action 2014-01-16
  • Bill cosponsoredSTART ActLatest action 2022-09-12
  • Bill authoredCoal Country Protection ActLatest action 2014-06-03
  • Bill authoredMining Jobs Protection ActLatest action 2011-03-03
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “environment white oak resiliency”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Defense

  Provide Defense Appropriations

  As a senior member, he often champions the Department of Defense Appropriations Act to ensure funding for national security and military operations.

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell sponsored S. 2026, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026, which was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar and is still pending.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredDepartment of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026Latest action 2025-07-31
  • Bill cosponsoredPreventing Terrorist Transfers to Afghanistan ActLatest action 2022-06-23
  • Bill cosponsoredNorth Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal ActLatest action 2026-06-09
  • Bill authoredVeterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2013Latest action 2013-11-07
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution designating October 30, 2024, as a national day of remembrance for the workers of the nuclear weapons program of the United States.Latest action 2024-11-14
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution designating August 16, 2024, as "National Airborne Day".Latest action 2024-08-01
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution designating August 16, 2021, as "National Airborne Day".Latest action 2021-08-09
  • Bill cosponsoredJustice for 9/11 ActLatest action 2024-08-01
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “defense provide defense appropriations”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Justice

  Increase Capitol Police Retirement Age

  Proposed legislation to amend federal code to authorize an increase in the retirement age for members of the Capitol Police.

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell sponsored a bill (S.X, 119th Congress) that became Public Law No: 119-95, fulfilling the promise.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredA bill to amend chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United States Code, to authorize an increase of the retirement age for members of the Capitol Police.Latest action 2026-05-29
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honoring his life and legacy.Latest action 2025-09-16
  • Bill cosponsoredStopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues ActLatest action 2025-01-21
  • Bill cosponsoredCombating Violent and Dangerous Crime ActLatest action 2023-04-20
  • Bill cosponsoredConstitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2021Latest action 2021-04-29
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution urging the development of a strategy to counter the rise in violent crime across the United States.Latest action 2022-05-16
  • Bill cosponsoredProtecting Americans from Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023Latest action 2023-03-01
  • Bill cosponsoredStopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues ActLatest action 2023-03-01
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “justice increase capitol police retirement”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Democracy

  Designate Eugene E. Siler, Jr. Courthouse Annex

  Sponsored a bill to designate the U.S. courthouse annex in London, Kentucky, in honor of Eugene E. Siler, Jr.

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell sponsored a bill (S.5029) on 2024-09-27 to designate the courthouse annex, but it received its latest action as 'Held at the desk' in the 118th Congress, which is now over.

  On the record: 17 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredA bill to designate the United States courthouse annex located at 310 South Main Street in London, Kentucky, as the "Eugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex".Latest action 2024-09-27
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution expressing support for the designation of October 5 through October 11, 2025, as "National 4-H Week".Latest action 2025-10-06
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution expressing support for the designation of February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America Federal charter.Latest action 2025-02-21
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution expressing support for the designation of February 17 through February 24, 2024, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the "Give the Gift of Blue" program, which has donated more than 17,000 of the iconic FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.Latest action 2024-02-08
  • Bill authoredKentucky Wildlands National Heritage Area Study ActLatest action 2019-12-05
  • Bill authoredA bill to designate certain future interstates and high priority corridors in Kentucky, and for other purposes.Latest action 2021-04-13
  • Bill authoredA resolution congratulating the University of Kentucky's Women's Volleyball Team for winning the 2020 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Women's Volleyball Championship.Latest action 2021-04-29
  • Bill authoredA bill to amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 with respect to a portion of the Wendell H. Ford (Western Kentucky) Parkway, and for other purposes.Latest action 2019-04-03
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “democracy designate eugene siler courthouse”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Justice

  Enhance Federal Prison Accountability

  Introduced the Federal Prisons Accountability Act multiple times to improve oversight and management within federal correctional facilities.

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell has repeatedly sponsored the Federal Prisons Accountability Act (e.g., S.2343 in 2023, S.2093 in 2022, S.2818 in 2019, S.2330 in 2012, S.3129 in 2010), but none of these bills have advanced beyond referral to committee.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2012Latest action 2012-03-07
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2022Latest action 2022-02-01
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2019Latest action 2019-10-30
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025Latest action 2025-02-24
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2023Latest action 2023-07-12
  • Bill cosponsoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Definition of 'Engaged in the Business' as a Dealer in Firearms".Latest action 2024-05-15
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution designating the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as "National Police Week".Latest action 2023-05-17
  • Bill cosponsoredConstitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2023Latest action 2023-02-02
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “justice enhance federal prison accountability”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Judiciary

  Confirm conservative federal judges

  Promised to prioritize judicial confirmations.

  Where it stands: As Senate Majority Leader, McConnell oversaw the confirmation of three Supreme Court justices and over 200 federal judges during the Trump administration.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2012Latest action 2012-03-07
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025Latest action 2025-02-24
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2023Latest action 2023-07-12
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2022Latest action 2022-02-01
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2019Latest action 2019-10-30
  • Bill cosponsoredProtect Camp Lejeune VETS ActLatest action 2023-02-09
  • Bill authoredA joint resolution recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.Latest action 2019-03-26
  • Bill authoredA bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide guidance and clarification regarding issuing new and renewal permits, and for other purposes.Latest action 2013-05-06
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “judiciary confirm conservative federal judges”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Budget

  Reduce federal deficits

  Promised to bring federal deficits down over time.

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell sponsored S. 248 in 2011, a bill to reduce federal spending and the deficit, which was referred to committee and did not advance.

  On the record: 22 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredA bill to reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions.Latest action 2011-01-26
  • Bill authoredUSA PATRIOT Reauthorization Act of 2011Latest action 2011-02-04
  • Bill authoredA joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.Latest action 2011-11-30
  • Bill cosponsoredConstitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2023Latest action 2023-02-02
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025Latest action 2025-02-24
  • Bill authoredFederal Prisons Accountability Act of 2023Latest action 2023-07-12
  • Bill authoredA joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress on the precipitous withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Syria and Afghanistan, and Turkey's unprovoked incursion into Syria.Latest action 2019-10-23
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution expressing support for the designation of February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America Federal charter.Latest action 2025-02-21
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “budget reduce federal deficits”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Defense

  Sustain military aid to Ukraine

  Promised continued support for Ukraine funding.

  Where it stands: No matching sponsorships or votes have been found in the congressional records to advance this promise, and no live, currently pending bill or process is noted.

  On the record: 13 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution recognizing the historic significance of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.Latest action 2023-05-18
  • Bill cosponsoredNo Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2023Latest action 2023-01-25
  • Bill cosponsoredExtending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance ActLatest action 2021-09-22
  • Bill cosponsoredA resolution acknowledging the fourth anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming support for the people of Ukraine, and emphasizing the importance of robust United States security guarantees within a transatlantic commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty.Latest action 2026-02-24
  • Bill cosponsoredA concurrent resolution declaring a state of emergency due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in order to establish a waiver of the minimum tonnage requirements of section 55305 of title 46, United States Code.Latest action 2022-05-03
  • Bill authoredA bill entitled "United States International Programming to Ukraine and Neighboring Regions".Latest action 2014-04-03
  • Bill cosponsoredNo Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2025Latest action 2025-01-22
  • Bill cosponsoredA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'".Latest action 2023-02-13
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “defense sustain military aid ukraine”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov
• Governance

  Protect the legislative filibuster

  Promised to preserve the 60-vote threshold.

  Where it stands: Senator McConnell has consistently defended the legislative filibuster throughout his career, including blocking attempts to eliminate or weaken it.

  On the record: 25 bills

  See the 8 records behind this

  • Bill authoredSaving Coal Jobs Act of 2013Latest action 2013-09-18
  • Bill authoredA bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the additional 2020 recovery rebates, to repeal section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, and for other purposes.Latest action 2020-12-30
  • Bill authoredDelivering Immediate Relief to America’s Families, Schools and Small Businesses ActLatest action 2020-10-01
  • Bill authoredA resolution fixing the hour of daily meeting of the Senate.Latest action 2021-01-03
  • Bill authoredProtecting Moms and Infants ActLatest action 2018-04-19
  • Bill authoredProtecting Our Infants Act of 2014Latest action 2014-07-31
  • Bill authoredCoal Country Protection ActLatest action 2014-06-03
  • Bill authoredMining Jobs Protection ActLatest action 2011-03-03
  • Their bills on Congress.gov
  • Congressional Record: “governance protect legislative filibuster”
  • Floor video on C-SPAN
  • Statements on mcconnell.senate.gov

Everything here is sourced from public records — Congress.gov, the Congressional Record, and the member's own statements. Nothing is scored or ranked. How we research these profiles.