McConnell announced his plans Wednesday on the Senate floor, where he talked about waiting for a day when he would have total clarity about the end of his work: "That day arrived today."

Sen. Rick Scott launched an uphill bid to be minority leader. Sen. Mitch McConnell was handily reelected but many rank-and-file senators are frustrated at party leaders following the 2022 elections.

The Senate minority leader pointed to statements by two moderate Democrats who oppose ending the legislative maneuver. Both sides claimed victory, but the truce could be short-lived.