TRIBUTE TO ALBEY BROCK

On 2026-09-29, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO ALBEY BROCK" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO ALBEY BROCK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 154 (Tuesday, September 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 29, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S5161] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO ALBEY BROCK Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I rise today to honor County Judge-Executive Albey Brock for his 19 years of service to the people of Bell County, KY. Since 2007, Albey has presided over Bell County's Fiscal Court, working closely with constituents on local initiatives while creating and administering the county budget. He is a proud eastern Kentuckian whose longtime dedication and service to the region warrants recognition. Over the years, I have worked with Albey on numerous initiatives to ensure eastern Kentuckians have access to critical infrastructure. During the pandemic, I partnered with Albey to secure Federal funding for the Middlesboro-Bell County Airport which sustained the airport's daily operations, protected jobs, and offset additional costs. We also worked together on conservation efforts to secure Fern Lake so the people of Middlesboro and residents throughout the county have access to a significant water source and attraction at Cumberland Gap National Park. Our work didn't stop there. Albey and I also worked together to secure Pineville Hospital's future when it threatened to be closed. Through all these partnerships and collaborative efforts, Albey repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the future of his community and its economic interests. In the time I have known him, Albey has been a fierce advocate for eastern Kentucky. From his advocacy efforts at the national level on behalf of coal miners to making sure his constituents benefit from local economic development, he has a keen eye for the human impact of policy decisions. As a county judge-executive, this skill is one of the most important, and I applaud his impressive dedication to his neighbors. At the same time, he has worked to promote eastern Kentucky economic development, showing up when it matters. This includes the Mountain Laurel Festival--Kentucky's oldest, continuous festival--held every year in Bell County. I have been able to attend on several occasions, and it is always good to see Albey out in the community. Not only does he show up, but Albey also knows how to deliver results for the people he represents, and I am grateful for his hard work. Through it all, Albey has made decisions with consideration for his immediate community and worked to improve not just his county, but the region at large as well. As his time leading Bell County comes to an end, I want to take a moment today to honor his service. I wish him the best in this next chapter of his life, and I am sure he looks forward to spending more time with his wife Bitha as they enjoy time with their children and grandchildren. ____________________