SOMERSET, Ky. -- The Somerset Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce's monthly meeting kicked off today with a special recognition by U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers in honor of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. 

On June 12, 2018, McConnell became the longest-serving Republican Senate Majority Leader in our nation's history. To commemorate his milestone, Rogers presented McConnell with a tribute in the Congressional Record. 

Rogers made the following remarks to honor McConnell's achievement:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on becoming the longest serving Republican Senate Leader with a historic tenure of 11 years, 5 months and 10 days. My dear friend and colleague from Kentucky is a masterful political strategist with a once in a generation political mind, and it gives me great pride and happiness to recognize him on the achievement of this remarkable milestone.

"For decades, Leader McConnell has dedicated himself to the public service of the Nation, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the Republican Party. Guided by a deep-seeded conservatism, an unparalleled respect for our great Nation’s Constitution and the institutions of our democracy, and the ever-relevant wisdom of our Founding Fathers, Leader McConnell has demonstrated unmatched political acumen and dynamic leadership. His instincts are second to none: he knows when to fight and he knows when to compromise. The Leader is calculated and tactical, with keen foresight, and he works harder than anyone in the U.S. Capitol building. As a result, he simply gets things done.

"While he has been at the helm of our great Party during times of celebration, prosperity and jubilance, the Senator has also never hesitated to step forward and lead the Party in times of turbulence and controversy. Through it all, he has seemed unflappable. Time after time, Senator McConnell has taken on a leadership role and worked tirelessly for the Republican Party by serving as our Party’s Senate Whip, Minority Leader, and Majority Leader. While holding each of these positions, Senator McConnell has worked to unify and guide the Party in the right direction. In doing so, he has rightfully attained the confidence, respect, and admiration of his colleagues and garnered many great accomplishments in the process.

"As Senate Minority Leader, Senator McConnell held closely to his conservative values in spite of enormous pressure from an opposing Democratic Party in Congress and Presidential Administration. As the momentum in Congress began to turn, Senator McConnell once again stepped up to the challenge when his colleagues elected him as Senate Majority Leader. While holding this leadership position, he has achieved many successes, including the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court and passage of the Senate’s Tax Reform bill—both of which required a champion who was not afraid to be a target of criticism. Both victories serve as a testament to Leader McConnell’s vision as one of the finest master strategists in the history of the U.S. Senate.

"Throughout Leader McConnell’s tenure, he has also brought great esteem to our state and always remembered to prioritize our old Kentucky home. He has also continued to proudly represent our region since he was first elected as Senator in 1984. It has been a joy of mine to work alongside him on various bills and projects that have positively impacted Kentuckians. Together, we have worked to create jobs, support veterans, protect the coal industry, and sustain agriculture within Kentucky. I look forward to continuing our collaboration to further the prosperity of the people and communities of our beloved Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

"Once again, I would like to congratulate Leader McConnell for this major milestone in his career of public service. It has been a pleasure to serve alongside him in Congress and to observe these historic moments of success. I wish him many more years of continued good health, happiness, and success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back."