McConnell: Infrastructure bill a ‘godsend’ for Kentucky

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) says that the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which cleared Congress on Friday and is awaiting President Biden’s signature, is a “godsend” for his state.

McConnell spoke in Morehead, Ky., on Monday, noting the Bluegrass State has “a lot” of infrastructure needs after touring a facility for indoor farming company AppHarvest, according to CBS News affiliate WKYT.

He pointed to Kentucky’s infrastructure report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers, which gives it a C-minus.

“I’m surprised we even got a C,” McConnell told WKYT. “We have a lot of infrastructure needs, both in rural areas and with big bridges. It’s a godsend for Kentucky.”

The House managed to pass the infrastructure package by a 228-206 tally late Friday evening, sending it to Biden’s desk.

The lower chamber then passed a rule establishing debate parameters for a larger, $1.75 trillion social spending package that’s expected to pass via reconciliation with only Democratic support. 

The Senate passed the infrastructure bill in August, with McConnell being one of 19 Republicans who voted with Democrats in support.

Former President Trump on Sunday bashed McConnell and “all Republicans who voted for Democrat longevity” for “granting a two month stay which allowed the Democrats time to work things out at our Country’s, and the Republican Party’s, expense!”  

House Republicans who voted in support of the bill have recounted receiving angry and threatening messages since Friday.

Speaking at a separate event in Covington, Ky., on Monday, McConnell said he is “delighted” that the House found a way to pass the bill, according to a local NPR affiliate.

“This will be the first time I have come up here in a quarter of a century where I thought maybe there was a way forward on the Brent Spence Bridge,” he added, referring to the bridge that connects northern Kentucky to Ohio.