Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he thinks the contents of a sweeping House budget bill are a “moving target” during an event in Lexington Friday.
He thinks much of what’s included could change when it goes to the Senate.
The legislation, also known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” includes restrictions to Medicaid and food stamp benefits, scaling back tax credits to clean energy projects and more than $40 billion to fund a wall at the southern border.
McConnell says he’s in favor of the tax cut extension included in the bill, including no taxes on tips or overtime. It would extend a law that was passed during President Trump’s first term through 2029.
“I think what unifies Republicans the most is the desire to have the lowest tax rate possible. And I think that part of the bill is likely to be very similar in both the House version and what we actually end up passing in the Senate,” he said.
McConnell also said he disagrees with the Trump administration’s imposition of tariffs on allied countries.
The Trump administration is imposing a 10% tax on imports from foreign countries, with higher rates for certain countries. Some countries, like Canada and China, have introduced their own tariffs on U.S. goods in retaliation.
McConnell says Kentucky is heavily trade dependent, noting the state’s agriculture sector and bourbon industry.
“Rather than attacking our friends with tariffs, I think we ought to be doing exactly the opposite,” he said. “So hopefully the President will give up on this path and remember that free trade is very, very important.”
He also says the U.S. should continue sending aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
“What will impress Putin is ratcheting up our help for Ukraine,” he said. “They're tough fighters. You have to admire what they've done. Not a single American has lost his life in this war. We're just simply helping an ally defend themselves against a massive invasion.”
McConnell made the comments as the keynote speaker of a federal issues summit at the Marriott Hotel at Griffin Gate Golf Resort, hosted by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
