"Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has had a long and accomplished career in public service, spanning from the Bluegrass State to the United States Senate. At every step, Mitch has been a forceful fighter for the causes he believes in and the people of his home state. We have often disagreed, but have never been personally disagreeable with each other. I appreciate his partnership over the years in passing bipartisan legislation, including The First Step Act, and his unyielding support for the people of Ukraine in their battle against Vladimir Putin's war of Russian aggression. I am confident that in the days and weeks ahead, Leader McConnell is going to work diligently to ensure that the national security bill gets over the legislative finish line and is sent to President Biden's desk. I wish him, Elaine and his family the best as he enters this next chapter in his professional career."

Statement

"We are in agreement that Congress must work in a bipartisan manner to fund our government.

Negotiators have come to an agreement on six bills: Agriculture-FDA, Commerce-Justice and Science, Energy and Water Development, Interior, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD. After preparing final text, this package of six full year Appropriations bills will be voted on and enacted prior to March 8. These bills will adhere to the Fiscal Responsibility Act discretionary spending limits and January's topline spending agreement.

The remaining six Appropriations bills -- Defense, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS, Legislative Branch and State and Foreign Operations -- will be finalized, voted on and enacted prior to March 22.

To give the House and Senate Appropriations Committees adequate time to execute on this deal in principle, including drafting, preparing report language, scoring and other technical matters and to allow members 72 hours to review, a short-term continuing resolution to fund agencies through March 8 and the 22 will be necessary, and voted on by the House and Senate this week."

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