Overview
- Sen. Mitch McConnell, stepping down as Senate Republican leader after 18 years, will chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and the Senate Rules Committee.
- McConnell emphasized the importance of bolstering U.S. military strength in response to global threats, aligning with his long-standing defense hawk stance.
- Sen. Susan Collins, currently vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is expected to assume its chairmanship, overseeing federal discretionary spending decisions.
- McConnell’s foreign policy views, particularly his support for aiding Ukraine, may contrast with President-elect Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ approach.
- The new Republican Senate majority, led by incoming Majority Leader John Thune, aims to address national security, spending priorities, and Senate procedural reforms.