Transcript: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of an interview with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell that aired on April 28, 2024.
Mitch McConnell
McConnell apologizes for delay in Ukraine aid
Mitch McConnell says providing aid for Ukraine is one of the most important legislative victories of his career. The Senate minority leader sat down with CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan to go over his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
McConnell says university presidents need to "get control of the situation" amid protests
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appears on "Face the Nation" as pro-Palestinian protests roil American politics.
McConnell weighs in on college protests
Asked about the ongoing protests over the Israel-Hamas at college campuses across the U.S., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said "university presidents need to get control of the situation, allow free speech and push back against antisemitism." McConnell spoke with "Face The Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan about the demonstrations and the recent passage of a major foreign aid bill.
Schumer and McConnell push for foreign aid
Congress is advancing a $95 billion foreign aid package that would provide support to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Senate leaders of both parties encouraged their colleagues on Tuesday to move quickly and get the measure passed. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the details.
Mayorkas articles of impeachment dismissed
The Senate has dismissed the two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
McConnell on Mayorkas impeachment trial
Before the articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas were dismissed, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell decried Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's efforts to cut short the trial. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Mayorkas impeachment trial to begin
Senators are expected to be sworn in as jurors Wednesday for the impeachment trial against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion is following the process from Capitol Hill.
Mayorkas articles of impeachment
House Republicans are presenting articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on Tuesday. The upper chamber is compelled by Senate rules to convene as a court of impeachment after the articles have been transmitted. CBS News' Nikole Killion, Scott MacFarlane, and Camilo Montoya-Galvez explain what to expect.
Mitch McConnell backs House TikTok bill that could lead to ban
Momentum for the bill that could eventually lead to a ban on TikTok has slowed in the Senate.
John Thune on bid to succeed McConnell, more
The race to replace Mitch McConnell as the Senate's Republican leader is heating up with Minority Whip John Thune announcing his bid. Sen. Thune joins "America Decides" to discuss the race and more.
John Dickerson on McConnell endorsing Trump
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed Donald Trump on Wednesday, despite once saying the former president committed a "disgraceful dereliction of duty" on Jan. 6. CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson weighs in on the move.
Super Tuesday sets up Biden-Trump rematch
Donald Trump nearly swept all the Republican contests on Super Tuesday, forcing his last remaining opponent to leave the race Wednesday. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns reports on the political fallout.
Lawmakers unveil government funding package
Top lawmakers have unveiled a package to fund key parts of the government ahead of a Friday deadline to avert a partial shutdown. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
Cornyn announces bid for Senate GOP leader
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn announced he is running to replace Mitch McConnell as the next GOP leader in the Senate. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Cornyn running for Senate GOP leader, kicking off race to replace McConnell
"I believe the Senate is broken — that is not news to anyone. The good news is that it can be fixed, and I intend to play a major role in fixing it," Sen. John Cornyn said.
Lawmakers react to McConnell stepping down
Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he will step down as Republican Senate leader in November, ending the longest leadership tenure in Senate history. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports some of McConnell's colleagues weren't expecting the news.
Examining Mitch McConnell's legacy in Senate
Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he will step down from leadership later this year. Paul Kane, senior congressional correspondent for The Washington Post, joins CBS News to unpack McConnell's legacy.
Congress reacts to McConnell stepping down
Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he plans to step down from his post as the Republican leader in the upper chamber come November. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
McConnell to step down as Senate GOP leader
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the longest serving Senate leader of either party in American history, announced Wednesday that he will step down from his role as the Senate GOP's leader in November. The 82-year-old McConnell said, however, he will serve out the remainder of his Senate term through 2026. Nikole Killion has more.
McConnell's move marks seismic shift for GOP
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell surprised Capitol Hill on Wednesday by announcing he will step down from leadership in November. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa examines what the move means for the Republican Party.
Why McConnell is stepping down as GOP leader
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he's stepping down as the upper chamber's Republican leader. The Kentucky senator, who turned 82 last week, has served as the party leader for 17 years. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports from Capitol Hill.
McConnell stepping down as Senate GOP leader, ending historic 17-year run
The Kentucky Republican, who turned 82 last week, announced his decision on the Senate floor on Wednesday.
McConnell to step down as Senate GOP leader
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday announced his decision to step down as the upper chamber's GOP leader this year. The party will elect a new leader in November. Speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history, called attention to the national security supplemental package and the state of the Republican party.
Schumer signals progress in funding talks
President Biden and congressional leaders met Tuesday to work on a solution toward averting a government shutdown. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the latest on where negotiations stand.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Here's what to know.
House Ethics Committee quietly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
What's in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown?
The 1,500 page measure would do much more than prevent a government shutdown.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
U.S.
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Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
U.S. Mint announces 5 historical women on new quarters for 2025. Here's who.
It's the last year the American Women Quarters Program will put historical female figures on reverse side of coins.
U.S. mulls ban on Chinese-made TP-Link routers over national security concerns
TP-Link routers could be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, according to a report.
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
MoneyWatch
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Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
U.S. Mint announces 5 historical women on new quarters for 2025. Here's who.
It's the last year the American Women Quarters Program will put historical female figures on reverse side of coins.
U.S. mulls ban on Chinese-made TP-Link routers over national security concerns
TP-Link routers could be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, according to a report.
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
Fed lowers rates by 0.25 percentage point, but expects fewer cuts
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points, but said it plans fewer cuts in 2025.
Politics
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Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
Migrants with temporary legal status ask Biden for help before Trump takes office
Migrants in the U.S. under what's known as Temporary Protection Status are worried that Trump will revoke the program upon taking office.
HealthWatch
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What are seed oils and do they pose health risks? Here's what to know
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can have negative effects on your health. Here's what to know.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
2 sisters, 7 years apart in age, also receive heart transplants 7 years apart
The sisters share a special bond of getting a second chance at life, which they both received at the age of 38 years old.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
World
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Prominent pro-Putin ballet star Sergei Polunin says he's leaving Russia
Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
Ancient inscription may rewrite Christianity's history, researchers say
The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" shows the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
Entertainment
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The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Ben Schwartz, James Marsden on new "Sonic"
Ben Schwartz and James Marsden join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their roles in the highly anticipated sequel "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Kennedy Center honors Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges and Derek Trucks led a star-studded tribute to the Grateful Dead at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Anthony Mason spoke with the band's three surviving core members about their journey to becoming one of the most influential bands in American history.
Megan Thee Stallion asks for restraining order against Tory Lanez
Tory Lanaz, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, is harassing her from prison through surrogates, the petition alleges.
How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
What's next for AI in 2025?
After a landmark year for AI advancements like chatbots and image generation, questions loom about the future. Generative AI expert Sam Gregory shares what's ahead.
Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights rise
FAA data shows lithium battery fires are up 388% on U.S. flights since 2015, happening nearly twice per week on average. The lithium batteries inside your tablet, laptop and phones can be flammable when they're damaged or they overheat. Passengers should never put a lithium battery in a checked bag, but it's also advised to keep an eye on your devices during your flight.
Science
More Science
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Crime
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Crime
School shooting suspect's family life
Investigators are learning more about the suspect in the Abundant Life Christian School shooting that occurred in Madison, Wisconsin. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione expected to waive extradition
An attorney for Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, says he will waive extradition at his hearing on Thursday.
Seeking a motive in school shooting case
Officials are probing social media and other clues that the suspect in the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting may have left behind. Investigators are trying to piece together a possible motive for the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. CBS News Confirmed's Rhona Tarrant has more.
ATF director on disrupting violent crime
Steven M. Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), joined CBS News with more on the agency's mission to disrupt violent crime. This comes after another deadly school shooting occurred in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison shooting suspect's family life
Records are providing more details about the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting suspect and her family life. CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks down what's known as officials investigate the 15-year-old's motive.
Space
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Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Fed makes final 2024 interest rate decision
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates Wednesday for the third consecutive month, slashing rates by a quarter percentage point. It was the Fed's final rate decision before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has been a longtime critic of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady joins to break down the move.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
Canada's Justin Trudeau faces calls to resign
President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada haven't even gone into effect and they've already plunged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government into turmoil. On Monday, Trudeau's finance minister and deputy prime minister resigned, sharing a sharply critical assessment of her old boss in a public letter. Mercedes Stephenson, Ottawa bureau chief for Canada's Global News, joins "America Decides" to discuss Trudeau's future.
Israel, Hamas appear to move closer to deal
There are new signs Israel and Hamas are closing in on a ceasefire deal following more than a year of warfare. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay has the details from Tel Aviv.
CBS News goes on southern border ride along
President-elect Donald Trump says he will remove millions of immigrants living unlawfully in the U.S. through his mass deportation plan once he takes office in January. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez rode along Wednesday in El Paso with a sergeant for the Texas Department of Public Safety to discuss border policy.