Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) on Monday rebuked Rep. Steve King for his recent comments to the N.Y. Times, where the Iowa Republican wondered how terms like "white nationalist" and "white supremacist" became offensive.

"I have no tolerance for such positions and those who espouse these views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. Rep. King’s statements are unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position. If he doesn’t understand why ‘white supremacy’ is offensive, he should find another line of work."

— McConnell in a statement to the Washington Post

The backdrop: The chide by the highest-ranking Republican in Congress comes as three House Democrats — Reps. Bobby Rush and Tim Ryan and Majority Whip James Clyburn — announced plans to sanction King.