The sports category has moved to a new website.

Mitch McConnell won't cancel crucial Senate votes, even with 7 Democrats out of town for the presidential debates

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed requests to postpone crucial votes because several Democratic lawmakers will be traveling to Miami, Florida for the 2020 primary debates this week.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 11: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) talks to reporters following the weekly Senate policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol June 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. McConnell said the Senate plans to take up a funding bill to address the humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
  • The Senate is poised to vote on the annual defense bill, widely viewed as one of the most important pieces of legislation each year.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had previously asked to delay votes until the presidential candidates returned to Washington next week.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

WASHINGTON Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell laughed off requests to postpone crucial votes while the several Democratic senators running for president in 2020 take part in the first primary debates in Miami, Florida.

Despite requests to delay voting from top Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, McConnell is moving forward on the annual defense bill, a must-pass piece of legislation for Congress.

ADVERTISEMENT

Schumer asked for a vote delay so that the full chamber could be present for a vote on a key amendment that would bar funds for military engagement in Iran without congressional approval.

"Leader McConnell is no doubt aware that several members of this body will beabsent this week for the Democratic Presidential debates," Schumer said on the Senate floor Monday. "We should wait to have the vote until the full body is present.There is no rush to complete the NDAA. We have passed it very frequently later in the year with no harmful consequences to our military."

But McConnell was not having it, instead vowing to hold votes this week for the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act while at least seven Senate Democrats will be out on the campaign trail.

"So especially in light of current events, I was incredulous to hear the Democratic Leader call yesterday to postpone moving forward with the NDAA," McConnell said. "Apparently some of our Democratic friends need to go hit the presidential campaign trail. They can't be here because they got to go campaign. For not one day, but two this week."

"They're too busy to stay in the Senate and authorize the resources that our all-volunteer armed forces rely on," he added. "Postpone legislation on our national defense to accommodate the presidential race? In the middle of this ongoing crisis overseas? Come on. Come on."

ADVERTISEMENT

McConnell characterized Democratic candidates as feeling "compelled to skip out so they can compete for the favor of 'the Resistance.'"

"The rest of us, the Republican majority we're going to be right here, we're going to be right here working and voting to make America stronger and safer," he said.

Many congressional Democrats will be out of commission this week due to the primary debates on back to back nights in Miami.

For the upper chamber, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Kamala Harris of California, Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Michael Bennet of Colorado are all slated to appear in the debates.

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also:

SEE ALSO: There are 2 different ways for states to choose presidential nominees and there are some major differences between them

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

African countries with the highest divorce rate

African countries with the highest divorce rate

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

ADVERTISEMENT