Mitch McConnell Casts Deciding Vote

Sen. Mitch McConnell cast the decisive committee vote to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, days after returning from a more than three-month absence following a fall and hospitalization. The Senate Agriculture Committee moved the bill forward 12-11 along party lines. The package is a major farm and food policy bill, normally renewed every five years, that has not been updated since 2018. During the vote, McConnell first did not clearly respond, then said “aye” after prompts. His allies said the clerk had not heard him; critics said he appeared unable to vote without direction. McConnell’s term runs until January 2027, and he has not indicated plans to leave early.