Mitch McConnell's absence is throwing Trump's Pentagon budget boost in doubt
(Politico) Sen. Mitch McConnell's three-week hospitalization and uncertain health status is threatening to upend the defense budget process at a critical moment ahead of the midterm elections.
The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican was admitted to a Washington hospital June 14 for undisclosed medical issues. His staff maintain that McConnell remains engaged in Senate work but have not offered any information on when he will return to Capitol Hill.
His absence, and a lack of details around what caused his hospitalization, has prompted speculation on social media about the severity of his condition and his ability to serve out the rest of his term. And it comes at a pivotal moment for President Donald Trump and defense hawks' often conflicting visions for building up the military.
McConnell — who chairs the Senate Appropriations panel that controls Pentagon spending — has been a powerful critic of the administration's approach to securing a $1.5 trillion boost for the military. His support will be key in moving any funding plan forward, and his absence could stall or kill those hopes.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/mitch-mcconnells-absence-is-throwing-trumps-pentagon-budget-boost-in-doubt-084500198.html
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WAR HAWKS! 