Former GOP Leader McConnell To Chair Two Senate Committees Next Year

Former Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) shows no signs of slowing down after decades in Congress, announcing his plans to remain active in key roles despite stepping down from Senate leadership.

McConnell revealed Thursday that he will chair the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense next year, overseeing the nation’s defense budget. This move comes as he transitions to a rank-and-file member in January after 18 years as the leader of Senate Republicans. His new role ensures he will maintain significant influence over U.S. foreign policy, according to the Washington Examiner.

In addition to the Defense Subcommittee, McConnell will also chair the Senate Rules Committee, a body responsible for handling contested elections and overseeing Senate rules and procedures.

“America’s national security interests face the gravest array of threats since the Second World War. At this critical moment, a new Senate Republican majority has a responsibility to secure the future of U.S. leadership and primacy,” McConnell stated. “I intend to play an active role in this urgent mission.”

On social media, some critics questioned McConnell’s decision to continue in such influential positions, with many suggesting it might be time for him to retire.

As the most senior GOP senator, McConnell could have bypassed Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) to take the top position on the full Appropriations Committee. However, his close alliance with Collins reportedly influenced his decision not to pursue the role, noted the Examiner.

Despite stepping back from formal leadership, McConnell’s positions could create tension in the upcoming Congress, where Republicans will hold a 53-seat majority. His hawkish foreign policy views stand in stark contrast to President-elect Donald Trump’s focus on negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine.

McConnell may also play a pivotal role in opposing some of Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard, who has been tapped to oversee U.S. intelligence agencies and is known for her anti-war stance.

For now, McConnell appears intent on allowing incoming Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to take the spotlight. He has refrained from weighing in on issues like recess appointments, a tool Trump could use to bypass Senate confirmation for certain nominees.

“Defending the Senate as an institution and protecting the right to political speech in our elections remain among my longest-standing priorities,” McConnell said.

McConnell will replace Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) as the ranking Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

In March, McConnell formally endorsed Trump’s 2024 campaign after former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley exited the race. While he has publicly supported Trump, reports have suggested tension between the two figures.

In a biography released just before the election, McConnell allegedly expressed support for Special Counsel Jack Smith and reportedly hoped Trump would “pay a price” for his actions related to the January 6th Capitol attack.