Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) is not happy with his colleagues. And he's not being subtle about it.
On Wednesday, Kennedy told reporters he is "very disappointed" and "embarrassed" by how little the Senate has achieved since passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025.
"The public is upset about a lot of things," Kennedy said, ticking off the cost of living, questions surrounding Iran and concerns about artificial intelligence (AI).
"I am embarrassed about it," he added.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled Thursday's votes, sending lawmakers home early ahead of the midterm recess. That move also avoided a vote on Rep. Thomas Massie's (R-Ky.) effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The cancellation comes as lawmakers rush to advance AI legislation, and follows Johnson's earlier decision to shorten the pre-election session by two weeks.
Paul Blocks Kennedy's AI Bill
On Wednesday, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) blocked Kennedy's effort to fast-track a bill requiring certain advanced AI developers to include emergency "kill switches." 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 those companies to "Stop demanding taxpayer subsidies. Level with the American people about what AI means."
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, adding 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.
