The closing of Washington landmarks by the Obama administration because of the federal shutdown is strictly political, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tells Newsmax TV.
"Who would have thought that World War II veterans would have to storm the barricades to see their own memorial when they came up here on an honor flight?" the five-term Kentucky Republican asked in an exclusive Newsmax interview. "This is an absurd effort to try to make it look like the shutdown was designed to adversely impact everybody."
On Tuesday, members of Congress escorted more than 100 veterans across barricades to visit the World War II Memorial. The veterans had traveled from Mississippi and Iowa for a previously scheduled visit to the monument.
The National Park Service set up the barriers after the government shutdown took effect. The congressional representatives cut police tape and moved the barriers to escort the veterans inside.
"These memorials on the Mall are open to everyone — and people ought to be free to see them," McConnell says.
Editor's Note:Read the full Newsmax interview with Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
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