McConnell and other GOP senators criticize RNC for censuring Cheney and Kinzinger

Washington — Daylight has emerged this week between Senate Republicans and the Republican National Committee (RNC) after its members approved a resolution censuring GOP Representatives Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois for their work on the House panel investigating the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol and declared the actions of the rioters "legitimate political discourse."

A number of GOP senators, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have rebuked the national party over the resolution, which was overwhelmingly approved Friday, and said Republicans' focus should be on defeating Democrats in the 2022 midterm elections rather than attacking and alienating members of their own party.

"It was a violent insurrection for the purpose of trying to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after a legitimately certified election from one administration to the next. That's what it was," McConnell said Tuesday of the January 6 attack.