Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell lobbed criticism Sunday toward Republican colleagues who oppose more U.S. aid to Ukraine as the chamber advanced a $95 billion national security package.
The legislation, which cleared a procedural hurdle 67-27 and heads to final passage later this week, includes assistance for Ukraine to combat Russia, Israel to defeat Hamas, and Taiwan to defend itself against China.
“I know it’s become quite fashionable in some circles to disregard the global interests we have as a global power,” Mr. McConnell, Kentucky Republican, said on the Senate floor. “To bemoan the responsibilities of global leadership. To lament the commitment that has underpinned the longest drought of great power conflict in human history.”
He added: “This is idle work for idle minds. And it has no place in the United States Senate.”
Mr. McConnell has faced renewed calls from conservatives for his ouster from leadership after a bipartisan border security bill attached to the foreign aid went up in flames last week in the face of Republican opposition.
He made the case that still passing the aid wasn’t simply “because it feels good.”
“We equip our friends to face our shared adversaries so we’re less likely to have to spend American lives to defeat them,” Mr. McConnell said.
Sen. Mike Lee, Utah Republican, has been among his fiercest critics. Mr. Lee dubbed Mr. McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer as “The Firm” since their failed bipartisan endeavor to address illegal immigration.
“Conservatives around the country should ask all Republican Senate candidates where they stand on current Senate GOP leadership,” Mr. Lee said. “Evasive answers — especially from candidates supported by The Firm — should be interpreted as admissions of loyalty to The Firm.”