Mitch McConnell Criticizes Fellow Republican Sen. Rick Scott Over ‘Rescue America’ Plan, as Biden and White House Target Other GOP Senators

This week, President Joe Biden and the White House have been vocal in their criticism of certain Republican senators, including Mike Lee of Utah, Rick Scott of Florida, and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, over their proposals that could affect retirement and health care programs.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) criticized fellow Republican Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) on Thursday over his “Rescue America” plan, a Republican agenda guidebook that was roundly rejected by many GOPers, including McConnell. Scott’s plan proposed that “all federal legislation sunsets in 5 years,” with no exceptions for Social Security and Medicare. This was in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address, where Republicans attempted to shout down the President for mentioning cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

On Wednesday, President Biden and the White House targeted Sen. Mike Lee of Utah over a video clip of Lee saying, “I’m here right now to tell you one thing that you probably have never heard from a politician.” The Republican senators have responded forcefully, accusing Biden of deceiving the public about where they stand.

This is not the first time McConnell has countered Scott over his plan, but the Minority Leader’s criticism of Scott this week has been particularly vocal. It remains to be seen how the debate between the White House and Republican senators will play out in the coming weeks.