GOP Senator John Kennedy Is 'Embarrassed' by Senate's Limited Progress Since Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill: 'The Public Is Upset…'
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) voiced his disappointment and embarrassment over the Senate’s limited legislative progress since the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025. On Wednesday, Kennedy told reporters, “The public is upset about a lot of things,” citing the cost of living, questions surrounding Iran, and concerns about artificial intelligence (AI). “I am embarrassed about it,” he added. Sen. John Kennedy says he’s "very disappointed" and "embarrassed" by how little the Senate has achieved since passing the One Big Beautiful Bill. "The public is upset about a lot of things," Kennedy says, pointing to the cost of living, questions surrounding Iran, and concerns… pic.twitter.com/nuXXIWT5sn — Fox News (@FoxNews) September 16, 2026 Notably, House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled Thursday’s votes, sending lawmakers home early ahead of the midterm recess and avoiding a vote on Rep. Thomas Massie ’s (R-Ky.) effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move comes as lawmakers rush to advance AI legislation and follows Johnson’s earlier decision to shorten the pre-election session by two weeks. Read Also: America's Richest Donors Are Tilting Republican — 16 of the To
Sen. ) voiced his disappointment and embarrassment over the Senate’s limited legislative progress since the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025. On Wednesday, Kennedy told reporters, “The public is upset about a lot of things,” citing the cost of living, questions surrounding Iran, and concerns about artificial intelligence (AI). “I am embarrassed about it,” he added.
Sen. John Kennedy says he’s "very disappointed" and "embarrassed" by how little the Senate has achieved since passing the One Big Beautiful Bill. com/nuXXIWT5sn — Fox News (@FoxNews) September 16, 2026 Notably, House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled Thursday’s votes, sending lawmakers home early ahead of the midterm recess and avoiding a vote on Rep. ) effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The move comes as lawmakers rush to advance AI legislation and follows Johnson’s earlier decision to shorten the pre-election session by two weeks. Read Also: America's Richest Donors Are Tilting Republican — 16 of the Top 20 Billionaires Back GOP as Crypto, AI and Deregulation Shape Donations: Report Paul Blocks Kennedy’s AI Bill On Wednesday, Sen. " Paul said Congress needs more information before imposing broad AI regulations and proposed a group to recommend AI safeguards to the Senate Commerce Committee. Kennedy argued that Congress must act on AI regulation soon, warning that lawmakers cannot afford to delay as AI risks grow.
The Louisiana Republican has previously criticized the rapid expansion of AI data centers, arguing that technology companies should shoulder more of the environmental, energy, and financial costs associated with them. He urged these companies to “Stop demanding taxpayer subsidies. ” Kennedy Questions Senate Action Delay Earlier this month, Kennedy expressed doubt that Republicans in Congress could significantly address inflation before the November midterm elections. He told NBC News’ "Meet the Press" that the economy remains "solid" with low unemployment, but warned that persistent inflation is hurting Americans.
"It’s gutting people like a fish. Inflation is pernicious,” he said, but added that he doesn’t blame President Donald Trump or the House. Kennedy said Senate Republicans should have addressed inflation in a reconciliation bill about five months ago, but the effort stalled because he could not persuade the majority leader to bring it to the floor, and Republicans were likely three or four votes short. Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published editors.
Read Also: CLARITY Act Failure Sparks Senate Blame Game: 'Democrats Were Never Truly Serious,' Lummis Says Image via Shutterstock