Sen. Mitch McConnell defends stance on sending foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell on Thursday defended his stance on American intervention in foreign wars, saying he will continue to advocate for the U.S. to be a leader in the Democratic world.

McConnell's statements were made Thursday during a speech at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition South Summit, which drew local and national leaders to Louisville to discuss America's role in diplomacy and its impact on the South.

McConnell said America's global role continues to help preserve peace and prosperity, including in Kentucky, where it's evident supply chains are living and breathing proof of successful relationships with other countries.

"We all forget that Toyota itself is a Japanese company that has invested billions of dollars into our economy, providing nearly 10,000 jobs in central Kentucky," he said. "You don't have to look back far to understand the importance of the free flow of both goods and people."

McConnell, who is stepping down from his leadership position as Senate minority leader in November, has repeatedly said one of his main focuses as he continues to serve as Kentucky's senior senator will be to push back against isolationism.

He has previously touted his role in a foreign aid package that was signed into law earlier this year. After months of delay, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill that sent funds to Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific. McConnell was the driving force behind the Senate's version of the package, which faced Republican infighting over whether the U.S. should send money to support other countries' wars.

McConnell supported his argument at the summit by saying it's cheaper to prevent a war than to fund one.

"We can't afford to wait for another attack," McConnell said. "... We must do what we can do today to keep the peace tomorrow."

McConnell's stance on foreign policy is a stark contrast from Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who generally opposes U.S. intervention unless there is a clear national security interest.

Pau l last month gave a speech at the 125th Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention, where the Republican criticized America's foreign policy, saying it's shifted to "a desire to be everywhere all the time." He promised he would continue to push back against current U.S. intervention.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Sen. Mitch McConnell defends stance on sending foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel