WASHINGTON, DC – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), released the following statement on the retirement of Senator Mitch McConnell:

Senator Mitch McConnell’s legacy in the U.S. Senate is nothing short of historic. As the longest-serving Senate leader in American history, his influence has shaped not only the trajectory of his party but also the role of the United States on the global stage. A steadfast champion of America’s leadership in the world, Senator McConnell has consistently made the case that our nation’s investments in diplomacy and development are not acts of charity, but essential pillars of U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

Just last year, USGLC was honored to host Senator McConnell in Louisville for our second annual South Summit, where he made a powerful case for why our global engagement is a necessity. As he so clearly put it, “our adversaries are determined to undermine American leadership, to re-write these rules. And there is no question that if they succeed it will be to America’s disadvantage.”

At USGLC’s 2022 Tribute Celebration, Senator McConnell was recognized as a champion of U.S. global leadership. He laid out what has become known as the “McConnell Doctrine”—a resounding call for America to lead in the world, support our allies, and invest in foreign assistance alongside our military to protect our nation’s interests. In his own words, “history has proven over and over again that America does well when America does good.” That belief has been a guiding principle throughout his career, from his steadfast support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression to his advocacy for robust diplomatic and development resources that strengthen our security and economic partnerships.

USGLC has been privileged to work with Senator McConnell for years. Senator McConnell’s leadership and vision will leave a lasting impact on America’s role in the world. While he may be stepping away from the Senate, his voice and legacy will continue to shape the conversation on why America’s global engagement matters—not just for the world, but for communities across Kentucky and across the country. We thank Senator McConnell for his unwavering commitment to U.S. global leadership and wish him the very best in the years ahead.