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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

83 rows where chamber = "Senate" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending

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year 1

  • 2017 · 83 ✖

chamber 1

  • Senate · 83 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-special-festivus-edition-waste-report/ Dr. Rand Paul Releases Special ‘Festivus’ Edition of ‘The Waste Report’ 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released a special “Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2017” edition of The Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. In its third year, Dr. Paul’s Festivus Waste Report again shines a spotlight on wasteful spending and misplaced priorities that put taxpayers on the hook for the federal government’s bad management. Dr. Paul’s series has, over three years, documented approximately $6 billion in wasteful spending. This year’s edition also includes excerpts from “Worldwide Waste: How the Government is Using and Losing Your Money Abroad,” a 2017 Waste Report series that documented more than $3 billion of wasteful, taxpayer-funded endeavors overseas. Highlights from the Festivus Waste Report include the IRS failing to recover over $76 million in “unallowable expenses” to government contractors, and the Department of Transportation spending $1.5 million on a park bathroom in Queens, NY. You can find Dr. Paul’s “Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2017” edition of The Waste Report, which totals up over $560 million in waste, HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sens-paul-wyden-lee-and-leahy-release-joint-statement-fisa-reform/ Sens. Paul, Wyden, Lee, and Leahy Release Joint Statement on FISA Reform 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2017 Contact: Sergio Gor (Paul), 202-224-4343 Keith Chu (Wyden), 202-224-3789 Conn Carroll (Lee), 202-224-5444 David Carle (Leahy), 202-224-3693 Sens. Paul, Wyden, Lee, and Leahy Release Joint Statement on FISA Reform WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) released the following statement opposing any long-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without the serious and public debate the American people deserve and should expect from their elected representatives: “Congress should not vote on any long-term reauthorization of Section 702 until both the House and Senate have fully debated meaningful reforms in 2018.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-passage-tax-reform/ Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Passage of Tax Reform 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Early Wednesday morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement after voting for the Conference Report on tax reform: “Today, the Senate delivered on its promise of allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, a commitment I worked to hold it to by fighting to make sure the bill became a bigger and better tax cut and included repeal of the Obamacare individual mandate. “I applaud this reform, which will lead to economic growth, greater business investment, and new opportunities for the American people. As we approach a new year, I look forward to continuing the fight for limited government, lower taxes, and individual liberty for all.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-asdfa/ Dr. Rand Paul Introduces FATCA Repeal Amendment to Tax Reform Bill 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing his efforts to protect the privacy of Americans’ financial records, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced an amendment to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to repeal the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). As we work to reduce the massive tax burden Washington has placed on the American people, we should also stand up for their Fourth Amendment right to privacy by rejecting the bulk collection of the financial information of Americans who live overseas,” said Dr. Paul. Enacted by Congress in 2010, FATCA mandates that foreign financial institutions regularly report private financial information on American citizens living abroad under threat of a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. The law has impeded international financial transactions and investment by leading many foreign banks to simply deny services to Americans rather than navigate the burdens and costs of compliance. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-first-full-scale-defense-department-audit/ Dr. Rand Paul Applauds First Full-Scale Defense Department Audit 2017-12-14 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the Pentagon’s recent announcement of the first full-scale financial audit of the Department of Defense (DoD), with audits to be conducted annually going forward: “Our men and women on the frontlines deserve to know their funding is being used as intended and to the maximum possible effectiveness. Unfortunately, the department charged with carrying out our greatest constitutional responsibility has set the lowest possible standard for accountability. I applaud President Trump’s administration for changing this course, and I will keep working to ensure this is only the start of reform,” said Dr. Paul. As part of a series on the DoD in 2013, Reuters stated that it had “found that the Pentagon is largely incapable of keeping track of its vast stores of weapons, ammunition and other supplies; thus it continues to spend money on new supplies it doesn’t need and on storing others long out of date.” Since his arrival in the U.S. Senate, Dr. Paul has been a leading voice for increasing fiscal responsibility at the DoD, including working with former Senator Tom Coburn to introduce the Audit the Pentagon Act, which he has continued to support in the 114th and 115th Congresses. Dr. Paul has also called attention to waste and mismanagement of funds at the DoD through his Waste Report, which has covered stories including millions of dollars in equipment and parts failing to reach their destination or going unaccounted for and a $6 million renovation of a Fort Belvoir dining facility that closed less than a year later. You can read these Waste Reports below: ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-dr-rand-paul-stands-fourth-amendment-demands-surveillance-reform-0/ ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Stands Up for the Fourth Amendment, Demands Surveillance Reform 2017-12-13 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) at The George Washington University to call for protecting Americans’ civil liberties and restraining government overreach by reforming the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). You can watch Dr. Paul’s opening remarks at the event HERE. In October, Sens. Paul and Wyden introduced S. 1997, the USA Rights Act, which reforms Section 702 of FISA to end warrantless backdoor searches of Americans’ calls, emails, texts, and other communications that are routinely swept up under a program designed to spy on foreign targets. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dancing-cars/ Dancing with the Cars 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dancing with the Cars Dr. Rand Paul Releases Latest ‘Waste Report’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,U.S. Senator Rand Paul released his latest Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. Following up on a 2016 Waste Report highlighting the U.S. State Department helping to fund documentary promotion internationally, this week’s Waste Report examines productions taxpayers are spending tens of thousands of dollars through the National Endowment for the Arts to help directly support. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-announces-opposition-budget-busting-cr/ Dr. Rand Paul Announces Opposition to Budget-Busting CR 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 ​​​​​​​ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) announced he will oppose an end-of-the-year Continuing Resolution (CR) that continues recklessly spending the American people’s money. “I cannot in good conscience vote to add more to the already massive $20 trillion debt,” said Dr. Paul. “I promised Kentucky to vote against reckless, deficit spending, and I will do just that. Tax cuts — people keeping more of their money — are never the problem. The problem is spending. We should obey our rules, stop the deficit spending, and shrink government.” You can watch Dr. Paul announce his opposition to the CR HERE. Dr. Paul’s stand for common-sense budgeting regarding the end-of-the-year CR is the latest in a series of efforts this year to stop Washington’s runaway spending, including working to offset emergency funds by reducing waste in existing programs and forcing the Senate to vote on a budget that would balance by 2024. In March, Dr. Paul, as chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC), held a hearing entitled, “The Effect of Borrowing on Federal Spending,” which included testimony from former Comptroller General of the United States David Walker. In September, Dr. Paul’s subcommittee held a hearing on end-of-the-year spending binges in federal agencies, and he introduced legislation to pay bonuses to federal employees that identify unneeded or surplus funds, a bill that would also ensure that 90% of the savings are automatically directed toward deficit reduction. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-hhs-nominee-convince-me-you-have-plan-safely-reimport-drugs-or-i-cannot-support/ Dr. Rand Paul to HHS Nominee: Convince Me You Have a Plan to Safely Reimport Drugs, or I Cannot Support Your Nomination 2017-12-12 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul to HHS Nominee: Convince Me You Have a Plan to Safely Reimport Drugs, or I Cannot Support Your Nomination WASHINGTON, D.C. – During today’s U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stated that he cannot support the nomination of Alex Azar to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services unless he can convince Dr. Paul that he is open to the idea of reimporting prescription drugs and can lay out a plan to do so safely. “If you’re open to it, and not just say it’s unsafe, will say, ‘This is how I would do it, and this is how I would reimport drugs and make it safe,’ that’s an honest reform. If you can’t do that, I can’t support you,” said Dr. Paul. “So I hope you will come back with an answer that says, ‘This is how I would make reimportation safe.'” Earlier in the exchange, Dr. Paul urged Azar to represent the American people over the interests of Big Pharma, saying, “Big Pharma manipulates the system to keep prices high. It is not capitalism, and it’s big government, and we’ve got to fix it.” He went on to add, “You need to convince those of us who are skeptical that you’ll be part of fixing it and won’t be beholden to Big Pharma.” In 2016, then-candidate Donald Trump called for eliminating “barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products” as part of his seven-point health care plan, also declaring, “Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers,” a statement Dr. Paul highlighted during his remarks. You can watch Dr. Paul’s exchange with HHS Secretary nominee Alex Azar below: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-senate-passage-tax-cuts-calls-further-action/ Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts, Calls for Further Action 2017-12-02 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts, Calls for Further Action WASHINGTON, D.C. – Early Saturday morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “As we took on tax reform, I worked directly with President Donald Trump and spoke out in Congress to make sure we kept our promises to the American people, secured a tax cut for more families, and repealed the Obamacare individual mandate. “While I still would have preferred larger cuts, this bill provides a foundation on which to continue building. Today marks a victory for giving the American people back more of their own money and reforming an archaic tax code.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-senate-passage-tax-cuts/ Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts 2017-12-01 2017 2017-12 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 Dr. Rand Paul Applauds Senate Passage of Tax Cuts WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “As we took on tax reform, I worked directly with President Donald Trump and spoke out in Congress to make sure we kept our promises to the American people, secured a tax cut for more families, and repealed the Obamacare individual mandate. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-introduces-fatca-repeal-amendment-tax-reform-bill/ Dr. Rand Paul Introduces FATCA Repeal Amendment to Tax Reform Bill 2017-11-30 2017 2017-11 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2017 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing his efforts to protect the privacy of Americans’ financial records, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced an amendment to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to repeal the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). “As we work to reduce the massive tax burden Washington has placed on the American people, we should also stand up for their Fourth Amendment right to privacy by rejecting the bulk collection of the financial information of Americans who live overseas,” said Dr. Paul. Enacted by Congress in 2010, FATCA mandates that foreign financial institutions regularly report private financial information on American citizens living abroad under threat of a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. The law has impeded international financial transactions and investment by leading many foreign banks to simply deny services to Americans rather than navigate the burdens and costs of compliance. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:12:50Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sens-paul-and-mcconnell-reintroduce-economic-freedom-zones-act/ Sens. Paul and McConnell Reintroduce Economic Freedom Zones Act 2017-07-14 2017 2017-07 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell reintroduced the Economic Freedom Zones Act. This legislation will establish free market enterprise zones and dramatically reduce taxes to help facilitate the creation of new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, enhance and renew educational opportunities, and increase community involvement in bankrupt or economically distressed areas. “The Economic Freedom Zones Act will bring hope to struggling communities by relieving the oppressive, big government burdens weighing them down,” said Senator Paul. “It’s time the federal government stop picking winners and losers and instead trust in the ingenuity of the American people.” “By reintroducing this legislation, we are standing up for American families who are suffering under the strain of regulation and the consequences of failed economic policies,” said Senator McConnell. “Innovative ideas like this will help bring hope and prosperity to distressed communities across our nation, including those in Kentucky.” The Economic Freedom Zones Act will apply to any zip code with unemployment greater than one and a half times the national average and to other economically depressed areas. In 2016, the Senate voted on the bill as an amendment to H.R. 2028, the Energy Policy Modernization Act. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:54:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-us-senators-attorney-general-sessions-reassure-hemp-industry-you-will-uphold-law/ U.S. Senators to Attorney General Sessions: Reassure Hemp Industry You Will Uphold the Law 2017-07-07 2017 2017-07 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) urged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to address their constituents’ concerns regarding the hemp industry’s access to financial services by confirming the Department of Justice will respect Congress’ recent actions on industrial hemp pilot programs. While the 2014 Farm Bill allowed state agriculture departments and universities to conduct industrial hemp research pilot programs in states that have authorized the growing and production of industrial hemp, including Kentucky, Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota, the senators noted that some program participants “have either had their personal and business accounts closed at financial institutions or are facing the possibility of losing them.” “This situation,” they continued, “is evidently due to the uncertainty of the continued legal status of the industrial hemp industry, and because the funds contained in the accounts are associated with industrial hemp.” The members asked Attorney General Sessions to make it clear the Department of Justice will uphold the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which prevents the federal government from interfering with the cultivation, transportation, processing, sale, or use of industrial hemp as authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, and not act against financial institutions that handle related funds. As the senators stated, “Industrial hemp research and farming have opened up doors for students, farmers, and small businesses in our states. In fact, American-grown hemp is already being used in a number of products, including fibers in automobile panels, fuels, food, animal bedding, and soaps, lotions and oils.” Attorney General Sessions’ assurance that the Justice Department will abide by Congress’ actions will provide stability and help enable pilot programs to reach their full academic and economic potential. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:54:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-proposes-association-health-plans-solution-27-million-left-behind-obamacare/ Dr. Rand Paul Proposes Association Health Plans as Solution to 27 Million Left Behind by Obamacare 2017-07-06 2017 2017-07 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper LOUISVILLE, KY- Today, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul held a press conference in Louisville, where he proposed changing the laws governing group insurance and legalizing Association Health Plans. Joined by representatives from two dozen Kentucky organizations, whose nearly 2 million members, employees, and family members could benefit from these changes, Dr. Paul spoke about the importance of fixing our broken health care system. You can read his op-ed on Association Health Plans in The Courier-Journal HERE or below. The following organizations were represented with Dr. Paul today: St. Matthews Chamber Bullitt County Chamber Kentucky Restaurant Association Kentucky Cattleman’s Association Kentucky Homebuilders Association OKH Board of Realtors Kentucky Realtors Association Durbin Plumbing Eventualities Sterling Thompson Insurance Kentucky Farm Bureau Kentucky Coal Association Kentucky Dairy Development Council Kentucky Credit Union Associations Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants Kentucky Retail Federation Kentucky Insurance Commissioner Kentucky Association of Independent KY Colleges Run Switch PR NFIB Kentucky Baptist Convention & Kentucky Today Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities Benefic Admin Solutions The Benefits Firm Administrative Services Group division of UMR *** Obamacare left 27 million people without health insurance and created a situation where insurance premiums have risen over 100 percent. Of the 27 million people that Obamacare left behind, about half of them don’t buy insurance because it is too expensive. So any debate to repeal and replace Obamacare must acknowledge the failures of Obamacare and try to insure more people at a lower price. There has been a lot of discussion of Obamacare, Medicaid and other aspects of our varied and largely broken healthcare system over recent months – and a lot of bad information. But mostly, there have just been a lot of ideas that don’t address the core problem of access and price of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:54:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-outlines-proposals-revising-senate-health-care-bill/ Dr. Rand Paul Outlines Proposals for Revising Senate Health Care Bill 2017-06-28 2017 2017-06 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul sent a letter to President Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and other Senate leaders laying out four policy improvements he would like to see made to the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017. You can read the entire letter HERE or below: *** Dear Leader McConnell, As you work with the committees of jurisdiction and Republican Senators to improve and revise the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, I would like to provide you with some policy priorities that I feel would improve the health care system and insurance markets. 1. Association Health Plans – While I appreciate the inclusion of Small Business Health Plans in the BCRA, I believe improvements could be made to expand upon this provision to allow for greater freedom for individuals and small businesses to pool together for the purpose of obtaining health insurance coverage. a. The bill currently allows for self-employed individuals to participate in small business health plans. However, I would suggest that the language be changed to allow any individual, including self-employed individuals, to form associations for the purpose of purchasing group health insurance. b. Furthermore, I would suggest that small business plans or association health plans be allowed to self-insure like other large employer groups are able to do under ERISA. Self-insurance provides significant flexibilities to create innovative plan designs free from many mandates. c. Finally, I believe we have an opportunity to completely free the group market from unnecessary ACA regulations, and restore HIPAA and ERISA regulation over the entire group market, including for association health plans. 2. Insurance Company Bailouts – For years, conservatives have been concerned with Obamacare’s bailout of the insurance companies through various programs designed to backfill losses the insurers take in the Obamacare exchanges, while they make huge profits in the group markets. In fact, insurance company pro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:48:30Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-comments-senate-republican-health-care-bill/ Dr. Rand Paul Comments on Senate Republican Health Care Bill 2017-06-22 2017 2017-06 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul issued the following statement after Senate Republican leadership released their health care legislation: “The current bill does not repeal Obamacare. It does not keep our promises to the American people. I will oppose it coming to the floor in its current form, but I remain open to negotiations.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:48:30Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sens-paul-cruz-johnson-and-lee-issue-joint-statement-senate-health-bill/ Sens. Paul, Cruz, Johnson, and Lee Issue Joint Statement on Senate Health Bill 2017-06-22 2017 2017-06 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON – Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement Thursday responding to the release of the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017: “Currently, for a variety of reasons, we are not ready to vote for this bill, but we are open to negotiation and obtaining more information before it is brought to the floor. There are provisions in this draft that represent an improvement to our current health care system, but it does not appear this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:48:30Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-responds-rushed-health-care-process-reintroducing-read-bills-resolution/ Dr. Rand Paul Responds to Rushed Health Care Process by Reintroducing ‘Read the Bills’ Resolution 2017-06-21 2017 2017-06 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul reintroduced his “Read the Bills” resolution, which would provide sufficient time for legislation to be thoroughly reviewed. Dr. Paul’s change to Senate rules would require bills, amendments, and conference reports to be filed for 1 day for every 20 pages before they can be considered, while leaving legislators room to act in emergencies. “Legislation is too often shoved through Congress without proper hearings, amendments, or debate, as the secrecy surrounding the Senate’s health care bill and the pressure to vote for it with little time to fully evaluate the proposal once again remind us,” said Dr. Paul. “If we are to answer to the American people, it is imperative we pay close attention to the legislation we pass. “I stand by my pledge to increase transparency and accessibility in the U.S. Senate, and my resolution will give members ample time to read all legislation before they vote.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:48:30Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-us-senate-votes-blocking-portion-arms-sale-saudi-arabia/ U.S. Senate Votes on Blocking Portion of Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia 2017-06-13 2017 2017-06 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – By invoking the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Al Franken (D-MN) forced a vote today on blocking a portion of new weapons sales to Saudi Arabia that would support its military campaign in Yemen. The sale is part of a broader arms agreement that permits the U.S. to make up to $350 billion in defense equipment sales and training commitments to Saudi Arabia over 10 years. Forty-seven senators voted to halt a sale that could deepen the conflict in Yemen, while fifty-three senators voted to provide the arms to Saudi Arabia. “Today, a bipartisan group of senators took a stand against the escalating war Saudi Arabia is waging with Yemen,” said Dr. Paul. “This is just the beginning, and we will continue to take a stance against waging an undeclared war and fueling an arms race in the Middle East. I applaud those who voted with me to block this proposed arms sale, and I hope this sends a clear message to Saudi Arabia that the United States will not just stand by as they massacre their unarmed neighbors.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:48:30Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-reintroduces-sixth-amendment-preservation-act/ Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces the Sixth Amendment Preservation Act 2017-06-09 2017 2017-06 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– This week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul reintroduced S. 1300, the Sixth Amendment Preservation Act, to reassert the constitutional guarantee of a speedy trial in all prosecutions. Dr. Paul’s legislation would prevent any future authorization of military force from being used to justify indefinitely detaining any person in America without trial. “Giving the accused their day in court isn’t a suggestion,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s enshrined in our Constitution as a cornerstone of our judicial system. My bill reminds our government that the Founders did not put an expiration date on the Sixth Amendment.” Section 1021 of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act unconstitutionally declares that the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force allows our Armed Forces to indefinitely detain citizens, legal residents, and foreign nationals who are alleged to have engaged in hostilities against the United States. This means U.S. citizens apprehended within the boundaries of the U.S. could be held indefinitely without trial. The Sixth Amendment Preservation Act restores our nation’s constitutional commitment to individual liberty by repealing Section 1021. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:48:30Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-reintroduces-bill-prioritize-smaller-harbors/ Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces Bill to Prioritize Smaller Harbors 2017-06-07 2017 2017-06 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul reintroduced the Harbor Equity Act, which modifies the existing criteria used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge smaller harbors. Currently, the Corps prioritizes dredging solely for larger harbors that see 1 million or more tons in traffic per year – often forcing small community harbors to fund their own dredging or be forced to shut down operations. This legislation drops the minimum tonnage requirements to 500,000 tons, prioritizing smaller harbors for dredging. As mentioned by President Trump today in his remarks on the Ohio Riverfront, which borders Kentucky, our inland waterways are crucial to the economic success of a wide variety of industries, including coal, steel, agriculture, and manufacturing. Dr. Paul’s reintroduction of the Harbor Equity Act is a continuation of his commitment to ensuring our waterways remain a vital part of our country’s infrastructure and a source of economic growth for Kentucky communities. “Maintaining America’s robust inland waterway system means properly caring for harbors of all sizes, as the system’s interconnectedness requires dredging smaller connecting harbors to ensure goods are efficiently transported,” said Dr. Paul. “The Corps’ current system prioritizes dredging for larger harbors, hindering economic growth and threatening the future of smaller harbors. These smaller ports are the backbone of local commerce in communities along our waterways, which is why I’m proud to reintroduce my bill to ensure they are considered for the Corps’ dredging efforts and to help protect them from facing potentially devastating shutdowns.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:48:30Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sens-paul-schatz-reintroduce-reset-act/ Sens. Paul & Schatz Reintroduce RESET Act 2017-06-02 2017 2017-06 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Reclassification to Ensure Smarter and Equal Treatment (RESET) Act. This bipartisan legislation would reclassify s pecific low-level, non- violent drug possession felonies as misdemeanors, eliminate the distinction between crack and powder cocaine for sentencing, and ensure that food products containing drugs are weighed fairly. “The RESET Act more closely aligns punishment with the severity of the offense, making it possible for someone to get a second chance after a non-violent, youthful mistake, instead of a lifetime punishment,” said Sen. Paul. “Our legislation will bring much-needed reform to our criminal justice system by ending the worst sentencing injustices for non-violent offenses.” “Today, our flawed criminal justice system imposes strict punishments for non-violent, low-level crimes, creating a destructive cycle of recidivism that impacts those in our most vulnerable communities,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill makes commonsense changes that will make sure punishments for low-level crimes are fair and our resources are directed toward violent criminals.” You can read S. 1252, the RESET Act, HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:48:30Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sens-paul-murphy-and-franken-demand-senate-vote-proposed-weapons-sale-saudi-arabia/ Sens. Paul, Murphy, and Franken Demand Senate Vote on Proposed Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia 2017-05-25 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Al Franken (D-MN) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval to force the U.S. Senate to vote on a resolution blocking a portion of new weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in support of their military campaign in Yemen. The senators’ resolution comes after the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee received official notice of pending sales of offensive weapons, including precision-guided munitions, last Friday. The newly noticed sale is part of a broader arms agreement that commits the U.S. to nearly $110 billion in immediate defense equipment sales and training and up to $350 billion over 10 years. “It is time we pause and consider the repercussions before we continue to fuel arms races around the world,” said Sen. Paul. “Given Saudi Arabia’s past support of terror, poor human rights record, and questionable tactics in its war in Yemen, Congress must carefully consider and thoroughly debate if selling them billions of dollars of arms is in our best national security interest at this time.” “Thousands of civilians are being killed in the U.S.-backed Saudi war in Yemen while terrorist groups like al Qaeda and ISIS are getting stronger by the day. Selling the Saudis precision-guided munitions that are going to be used to target civilians makes us complicit in this humanitarian and national security disaster. Saudi Arabia needs to see that there will be consequences if they ignore U.S. demands and target civilian infrastructure,” said Sen. Murphy. “Thousands of civilians have been unjustly killed or wounded by Saudi-led forces in the Yemeni civil war,” said Sen. Franken. “But despite this tragedy, the U.S. continues to sell billions of dollars of weaponry to the Saudis while turning a blind eye to their indiscriminate killing of children, women, and men in Yemen. Our bipartisan resolution would block the latest weapon sale and help demonstrate that the U.S. won’t stand for what the Saudis are doing to innocent people.” The Arms Expo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-introduce-resolution-urging-withdrawal-paris-climate-agreement/ Dr. Rand Paul to Introduce Resolution Urging Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement 2017-05-22 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul announced he is introducing a Senate resolution calling for America’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which the Obama Administration formally entered into in September 2016. Experts predict that by the year 2040, the agreement could cost the American economy up to 6.5 million jobs and nearly $3 trillion in Gross Domestic Product,[1] with no guarantee of significantly reducing the global temperature by 2100.[2] “We are being asked to place more regulatory burdens on American businesses and our economy,” said Dr. Paul. “Despite the high cost, the agreement will do little to solve environmental challenges. I support a path forward that protects both our jobs and our environment instead of sacrificing one for the other.” Dr. Paul’s resolution is cosponsored by Senators Inhofe (R-OK), Wicker (R-MS), Risch (R-ID), Enzi (R-WY), and Hatch (R-UT). Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) has introduced companion legislation (H. Con. Res. 55) in the U.S. House of Representatives. You can read the resolution HERE. ### [1] http://assets.accf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/170316-NERA-ACCF-Full-Report.pdf [2] http://news.mit.edu/2015/paris-commitments-insufficient-to-stabilize-climate-by-2100-1022 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-pauls-reins-act-passed-senate-committee/ Dr. Rand Paul’s REINS Act Passed by Senate Committee 2017-05-17 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) passed U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s S. 21, the “Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny” (REINS) Act, sending the legislation to the Senate floor. “For too long, an ever-growing federal bureaucracy has piled regulations and red tape on the backs of the American people without any approval by Americans’ elected representatives,” said Dr. Paul. “The REINS Act reasserts Congress’ legislative authority and would continue the historic progress we have made this year to curb the damaging effects of overreaching regulations.” Dr. Paul’s REINS Act would rein in unelected federal bureaucrats by requiring that Congress affirmatively approve every new “major rule” proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced on the American people. A “major rule” is defined as any federal rule or regulation that may result in 1.) an annual economic impact of $100 million or more, 2.) a major increase in costs or prices for American consumers, or 3.) significant adverse effects on the economy. In January, the U.S. House passed Rep. Doug Collins’ (GA) companion legislation, H.R. 26, by a vote of 237-187. S. 21 currently has 35 cosponsors. You can read the legislation HERE. Support for the REINS Act includes: American Chemistry Council National Association of Home Builders American Dental Association Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council Credit Union National Association National Association of Realtors Associated Builders and Contractors American Energy Alliance National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions Window and Door Manufacturers Association Americans for Prosperity Heritage Action for America FreedomWorks National Taxpayers Union 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-paul-leahy-merkley-scott-massie-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-introduction-justice-safety-valve-act/ Paul, Leahy, Merkley, Scott, & Massie Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Introduction of the Justice Safety Valve Act 2017-05-16 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced the Justice Safety Valve Act, S. 1127, in the U.S. Senate. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) are reintroducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Last week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions directed federal prosecutors to pursue the most serious charges and maximum sentences in their cases, returning to stricter enforcement of mandatory minimum sentences. The Justice Safety Valve Act would give federal judges the ability to impose sentences below mandatory minimums in appropriate cases based on mitigating factors. “Mandatory minimum sentences disproportionally affect minorities and low-income communities, while doing little to keep us safe and turning mistakes into tragedies. As this legislation demonstrates, Congress can come together in a bipartisan fashion to change these laws,” said Sen. Paul. “When we require that judges sentence offenders to years, sometimes decades, longer than is needed to keep our communities safe, it comes at extraordinary costs. An outgrowth of the failed War on Drugs, mandatory sentencing strips critical public safety resources away from law enforcement strategies that actually make our communities safer. It also comes with a human cost, particularly for communities of color, and results in a criminal justice system that is anything but ‘just.’ Our bipartisan approach offers a simple solution: Let judges judge,” said Sen. Leahy. “Attorney General Sessions’ directive to all federal prosecutors to charge the most serious offenses, including mandatory minimums, ignores the fact that mandatory minimum sentences have been studied extensively and have been found to distort rational sentencing systems, discriminate against minorities, waste money, and often require a judge to impose sentences that violate common sense,” said Rep. Scott. “To add insult to injury, studies have shown that mandatory minimu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-cnn-op-ed-dr-rand-paul-sessions-sentencing-plan-would-ruin-lives/ CNN Op-Ed: Dr. Rand Paul: Sessions’ sentencing plan would ruin lives 2017-05-15 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper The attorney general on Friday made an unfortunate announcement that will impact the lives of millions of Americans: he issued new instructions for prosecutors to charge suspects with the most serious provable offenses, “those that carry the most substantial guidelines sentence, including mandatory minimum sentences.” Mandatory minimum sentences have unfairly and disproportionately incarcerated a generation of minorities. Eric Holder, the attorney general under President Obama, issued guidelines to U.S. Attorneys that they should refrain from seeking long sentences for nonviolent drug offenders. I agreed with him then and still do. In fact, I’m the author of a bipartisan bill with Senator Leahy to change the law on this matter. Until we pass that bill, though, the discretion on enforcement – and the lives of many young drug offenders – lies with the current attorney general. The attorney general’s new guidelines, a reversal of a policy that was working, will accentuate the injustice in our criminal justice system. We should be treating our nation’s drug epidemic for what it is – a public health crisis, not an excuse to send people to prison and turn a mistake into a tragedy. And make no mistake, the lives of many drug offenders are ruined the day they receive that long sentence the attorney general wants them to have. If I told you that one out of three African-American males is forbidden by law from voting, you might think I was talking about Jim Crow 50 years ago. Yet today, a third of African-American males are still prevented from voting, primarily because of the War on Drugs. The War on Drugs has disproportionately affected young black males. The ACLU reports that blacks are four to five times likelier to be convicted for drug possession, although surveys indicate that blacks and whites use drugs at similar rates. The majority of illegal drug users and dealers nationwide are white, but three-fourths of all people in prison for drug offenses are African American or Latino. Why are the arrest rates so… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-statement-attorney-generals-action-mandatory-minimums-0/ Dr. Rand Paul Releases Statement on Attorney General’s Action on Mandatory Minimums 2017-05-12 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the following statement in response to reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions has directed prosecutors nationwide to pursue stricter mandatory minimum sentences. “Mandatory minimum sentences have unfairly and disproportionately incarcerated too many minorities for too long,” said Dr. Paul. “Attorney General Sessions’ new policy will accentuate that injustice. Instead, we should treat our nation’s drug epidemic as a health crisis and less as a ‘lock ’em up and throw away the key’ problem.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-releases-statement-attorney-generals-action-mandatory-minimums/ Dr. Rand Paul Releases Statement on Attorney General’s Action on Mandatory Minimums 2017-05-10 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the following statement in response to reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions has directed prosecutors nationwide to pursue stricter mandatory minimum sentences. “Mandatory minimum sentences have unfairly and disproportionately incarcerated too many minorities for too long,” said Dr. Paul. “Attorney General Sessions’ new policy will accentuate that injustice. Instead, we should treat our nation’s drug epidemic as a health crisis and less as a ‘lock ’em up and throw away the key’ problem.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-welcomes-honor-flight-bluegrass-washington-dc/ Dr. Rand Paul Welcomes Honor Flight Bluegrass to Washington, DC 2017-05-10 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul welcomed veterans from Kentucky and Indiana traveling on their Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Kentucky veterans traveled from cities including Bowling Green, Louisville, Glasgow, Radcliff, Owensboro, and Frankfort. “Today, I had the privilege of greeting our nation’s heroes as they visited their memorials,” said Dr. Paul. “While we can never fully repay them for the sacrifices they and their families and fellow soldiers made, special days like these give us a chance to show them we will never forget.” Honor Flight Bluegrass provided a free trip to our nation’s capital for 85 veterans. In addition to the World War II Memorial, the veterans also toured the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-paul-follows-intelligence-committees-seeks-more-information-obama-administration/ Dr. Paul Follows Up with Intelligence Committees, Seeks More Information on Obama Administration Surveillance 2017-05-08 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last Friday, May 5, U.S. Senator Rand Paul sent follow-up letters to members of the U.S. House and Senate intelligence committees seeking more information on whether he and other members of Congress were surveilled by the Obama administration or the intelligence community. “I am requesting a clear answer on whether your committee received a Gates notice related to me or to members of my staff,” Dr. Paul stated in his letter. Dr. Paul also enclosed a copy of the recent Circa article reporting that government officials allegedly sought a significantly higher amount of National Security Agency (NSA) data on Americans in 2016 and eventually unmasked congressional members and staffers, as well as associates of President Trump.[1] In April, Dr. Paul wrote to President Trump and congressional intelligence committee members to request further investigation based on an anonymous source’s tip that Dr. Paul may have been included in NSA information gathering. Dr. Paul reiterated this request in his May 5 letter, which you can read HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-requests-more-information-obama-administration-surveillance/ Dr. Rand Paul Requests More Information on Obama Administration Surveillance 2017-05-06 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul announced he is seeking more information on whether he and other members of Congress were surveilled by the Obama administration or the intelligence community. The announcement follows a Circa News report that government officials allegedly sought a significantly higher amount of National Security Agency (NSA) data on Americans in 2016 and eventually unmasked congressional members and staffers, as well as associates of President Trump.[1] Dr. Paul originally wrote to President Trump and congressional intelligence committee members in April, requesting further investigation based on an anonymous source’s tip that Dr. Paul may have been included in NSA information gathering. “In light of the revelations that the names of persons associated with the Trump campaign were unmasked, I believe the allegations that myself and other elected members of the legislative branch may have also been unmasked or caught in intelligence gathering warrants investigation,” Dr. Paul stated in the letter. “This inquiry goes beyond just myself and my office,” Dr. Paul added today. “The American people need to know if their elected representatives in the Legislative branch have been swept up in Executive branch surveillance.” You can read Dr. Paul’s entire letter to President Trump HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-uncle-sam-4th-and-long-fiscal-responsibility/ Uncle Sam: 4th and Long on Fiscal Responsibility 2017-05-03 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the latest edition of The Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. This week’s Waste Report looks at taxpayers providing nearly $130,000 from the Economic Development Administration to help develop digital down marker (the type used on football sidelines) prototypes for a private company to sell. You can get the full story HERE or below. **** When football season kicks off, you might notice something new stalking up and down the sidelines. No, not a boisterous head coach, or a menacing linebacker itching to get in the game. It’ll be a digital down marker… one your tax dollars paid to help develop. You heard that right. Auburn University used nearly $130k in federal funds[1] from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to help develop the Down, a battery powered down marker that displays numbers from 1 to 4 in LED lights.[2] It all started when a scoreboard manufacturer from Roanoke, AL, (about 45 miles from Auburn) contacted the university with the idea for a digital down marker. The problem, it seems, is the old mechanical down markers were less visible in lower light,[3] required operators to reach above their head, and could jam (we never noticed that).[4] Auburn agreed it was time for something new and, armed with EDA funding, used a semester-long industrial design course to help develop the down marker. Sixteen students (all presumably paying tuition) developed eight prototypes, one of which was selected by the private scoreboard company that now SELLS the marker as the Down.[5] If You Build It… Others Will Profit “The group [at Auburn] worked so well as a team, and everyone contributed something to the final design. As a result, our company now has a product that is already setting a new standard in professional, collegiate and high school football.”[6] [emphasis added] The scoreboard company “now has a product,” the Down, they can sell and profit from. However, at nearly 15 … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-testifies-fatca-calls-repeal/ Dr. Rand Paul Testifies on FATCA, Calls for Repeal 2017-05-01 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul testified before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s Government Operations Subcommittee regarding the damage done by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). “My hope is that this hearing will shed some light on this abusive law and lead to a demand for action,” Sen. Paul said during his testimony. “Chairman Meadows and I have sponsored a bill to correct this injustice and repeal FATCA. Congress should pass our bill this year and put an end to this madness.” Today’s hearing was entitled, “Reviewing the Unintended Consequences of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” and you can watch Dr. Paul’s testimony HERE. Enacted by Congress in 2010, FATCA mandates that foreign financial institutions regularly report private financial information on American citizens under threat of a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. The law has impeded international financial transactions and investment by leading many foreign banks to simply deny services to Americans rather than navigate the burdens and costs of compliance. You can find the text of S. 869, Dr. Paul’s repeal bill, HERE. U.S. Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC) has joined with Dr. Paul by introducing the House companion, H.R. 2054. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-rare-op-ed-us-should-not-fund-saudi-arabias-war-yemen/ Rare Op-Ed: The U.S. should not fund Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen 2017-05-01 2017 2017-05 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper American-built planes with American bombs were used by the Saudis to bomb a funeral procession in Yemen. Over 100 people were killed, and 500 mourners were wounded. Active duty American pilots have been refueling the planes dropping bombs across Yemen. Sounds like war to me. But when did we declare war on Yemen? When did Congress vote to authorize military force in Yemen? Who is the enemy, and why are we fighting them? Let’s be clear: war was NOT declared by Congress, as the Constitution requires. Congress never authorized American participation in a war in Yemen. And yet, here we are, involved in yet another Middle East war. We have an unfortunate habit of arming foreign nations, only to discover that these supposed allies may be creating more enemies for America than they are killing. Not only are we selling the bombs to Saudi Arabia that they are dropping on Yemen, the president’s first military act was to send a manned raid of Navy Seals into Yemen. Tragically, one of our Navy SEALs was killed, along with several women and children. I don’t blame our soldiers — they take orders. They do the best that they can under the circumstances. I do, however, blame the politicians who send our soldiers into impossible situations. Confronted by civilians, sometimes women and children, firing weapons at them, our soldiers must return fire. But before putting our soldiers in that unenviable position, shouldn’t Congress debate whether involving our nation in a war in Yemen is in our national security interest? The raid killed al-Qaeda operatives who, while likely enemies of ours, were actually fighting the same people the Saudis are fighting: the Houthi rebels. To emphasize, the Saudis and al-Qaeda are fighting a common enemy in the Houthi rebels. In essence, we sent Navy Seals into Yemen to kill people who actually were fighting a common enemy. In a country where so many factions are fighting, it is nearly impossible to distinguish friend from foe. Thousands of civilians have been killed by Saudi bombings in Yem… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:41:49Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-today-dr-rand-paul-testify-fatca-call-repeal-0/ TODAY: Dr. Rand Paul to Testify on FATCA, Call for Repeal 2017-04-26 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul will testify before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s Government Operations Subcommittee regarding the damage done by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), and he will call on Congress to pass repeal legislation he introduced earlier this month. U.S. Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC) has joined with Dr. Paul by introducing the House companion. Enacted by Congress in 2010, FATCA mandates that foreign financial institutions regularly report private financial information on American citizens under threat of a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. The law has impeded international financial transactions and investment by leading many foreign banks to simply deny services to Americans rather than navigate the burdens and costs of compliance. You can learn more about the hearing on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s website HERE. Wednesday, April 26, 2017 WHO: U.S. Senator Rand Paul WHAT: U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s Subcommittee on Government Operations Hearing “Reviewing the Unintended Consequences of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act” WHERE: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building WHEN: 2:00 pm ET ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sens-paul-heller-reintroduce-endangered-species-management-self-determination-act/ Sens. Paul, Heller Reintroduce the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act 2017-04-25 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Dean Heller (R-NV) reintroduced the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act to restore power to states to manage endangered and threatened species found only within their borders. Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) has introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House. The bill would also require congressional approval before a species could be listed as endangered or threatened, better protect individual private property rights, and enable states such as Kentucky to address the threats black vultures pose to livestock and Nevada to address the threats ravens pose to sage grouse populations. “We can better protect endangered species by empowering state leaders to implement a strategy more tailored to their specific circumstances,” said Sen. Paul. “Instead of continuing Washington’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to regulation, this bill puts local needs first and guards against bureaucratic overreach.” “Like all Nevadans, I know how important it is that we be good stewards of wildlife and their habitats,” said Sen. Heller. “That’s why I’ve been working with Governor Sandoval and the Nevada delegation to prevent the listing of the sage grouse in order to protect both the bird and Nevada’s economy. Nevadans – not Washington bureaucrats – know how to best protect the sage grouse, and the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act affirms that.” You can read it in its entirety HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-usda-rural-development-money-goes-course/ USDA Rural Development Money Goes Off Course 2017-04-24 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the latest edition of The Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is intended to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses, so it might surprise taxpayers to learn that the program gave nearly $125,000 of their money to a luxury golf course in the U.S. Virgin Islands to help cover the cost of solar panels. You can learn more in this week’s Waste Report HERE or below. **** When you think about rural businesses, one of the last things that would come to mind is a luxury golf course on a Caribbean island, but that is exactly where the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent nearly $125k in rural development grant money last year. That’s right!!! Your tax dollars went to support the purchase of solar panels for the Carambola Golf Club on St. Croix, USVI.[1] RURAL? The Carambola solar project was partially financed under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).[2] To qualify under this program (you know, as rural), a business must meet one of two standards: Minimum 50% of gross income comes from agricultural operations, or It is located in a non-urbanized area of a city or town with fewer than 50k residents.[3] We’ll assume Carambola (or any golf course) did not qualify based on agricultural operations, but even by the population/urbanization standard, this is still a stretch. The Carambola golf course itself is the center of a larger luxuries development, which includes a hotel and “some one hundred homes… all within an exclusive gated community.”[4] Not exactly life on the farm. In fact, by this same standard, any number of ski resorts, amusement parks, and many more golf courses all across America could qualify as rural for the purpose of getting REAP grants – not really the kind of businesses the program is intended to help. GRANTS, YES, BUT NOT LOANS In addition to issuing grants, the REAP program also makes loan… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-taxpayers-pay-twice/ Taxpayers Pay Twice 2017-04-20 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the latest edition of The Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. Americans collectively spend countless hours pouring over paperwork to make sure their taxes are correct, and they can keep as much of their own money as possible. While one would hope the agency that collects those taxpayer funds would show the same diligence, today’s Waste Report tells the story of an IRS that failed to recover over $76 million in “unallowable expenses” to government contractors. Though the IRS spent nearly $6 million more of taxpayers’ money for audits to identify those costs, the agency often failed to take basic steps in response and lacked vital details needed to thoroughly track and evaluate the recovery efforts. You can learn more in this week’s Waste Report HERE or below. **** Government service contracts are large, complex, and can span years. Because of this, sometimes “unallowable expenses” – things not covered in the contract – mistakenly get paid by Uncle Sam. For this reason, the government employs auditors, such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), to review payments and identify ones that should not have been made. If a payment turns out to be improper, the government agency that made it is supposed to recover the money. Unfortunately, according to a recent report from the Inspector General (IG) that oversees the IRS, when DCAA notified the IRS of unallowable payments over 10 years, only a miniscule amount was recovered out of over $77 million, and the agency scrutinizing your records was revealed to have less-than-stellar bookkeeping itself.[1] IGNORED AUDITS Treasury’s internal guidance[2] dictates that once a final audit of a contract is issued, unallowable expenses should typically be reconciled within six months. However, DCAA reports are only advisory, and, “[t]he authority and duty to act on these findings rests with the responsible CO [Contracting Officer].”[3] The first st… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-american-holiday-british-bloggers/ An American Holiday for British Bloggers 2017-04-11 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the latest edition of The Waste Report, an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. It’s unlikely the United Kingdom would top anyone’s list of regions of the world that need a better understanding of the United States. Yet, once again, Dr. Paul’s Waste Report covers American taxpayers footing the bill for such a learning program. You can find out more in this week’s Waste Report HERE or below. **** Waste Report readers will recall last year’s “A Better, More Peaceful Understanding of Waste,” where we discussed the U.S. Embassy in London spending $90,000 to foster better understanding with the United Kingdom.[1] Well, it turns out they are at it again. Late last year, our Embassy in London offered a grant worth as much as $75,000 to help bring as many as 10 “social media journalists and bloggers” to the U.S. to explore “American values and cultural issues that shape the American identity and deepen U.K. youth audiences understanding of the United States in the 21st century.”[2] The grant opportunity mentioned sending the bloggers to visit “cities such as Charleston, Orlando, Dallas, San Francisco, and Chicago”[3] to learn about American issues and themes – in other words, a real American experience, funded by the U.S. taxpayer. With firsthand experiences in these cities, the bloggers presumably would be better able to convey Americanism to their audience across the pond. All that would make sense if this were 1890 or even 1990, but, as The Waste Report has noted before, thanks to the Internet, 24-hour news, and affordable air transportation, our understanding of the U.K., and theirs of the U.S., is not lacking. In fact, nearly 4 million Brits visit the U.S. each year, and 1.2 million visit more than one state.[4] These people probably do not need their bloggers’ input to have an American experience, as they have their own or at the least have a high probability of knowing someone who does. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-congratulates-justice-gorsuch/ Dr. Rand Paul Congratulates Justice Gorsuch 2017-04-07 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Neil Gorsuch to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States: “Justice Gorsuch has handled a contentious nomination process with the utmost professionalism and poise, while consistently demonstrating his loyalty to the Constitution. I look forward to seeing him bring these traits to his duties on the Supreme Court, and I congratulate him on his confirmation.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-introduces-bill-repeal-fatca/ Sen. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Repeal FATCA 2017-04-06 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced legislation to repeal the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), with U.S. Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC) introducing a companion bill in the U.S. House. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) joined Dr. Paul as an original cosponsor. Enacted by Congress in 2010, FATCA mandates that foreign financial institutions regularly report private financial information on American citizens under threat of a 30% withholding tax on U.S.-source income. The law has impeded international financial transactions and investment by leading many foreign banks to simply deny services to Americans rather than navigate the burdens and costs of compliance. “FATCA disregards the Fourth Amendment and privacy rights by requiring the bulk collection of innocent Americans’ financial records,” said Sen. Paul. “It discourages foreign investment and prevents Americans from accessing the financial system overseas. It is time to repeal this job- and privacy-killing law.” “For all of FATCA’s aims to improve tax compliance, this law is not worth the burdens it imposes,” said Sen. Wicker. “We have seen the negative implications on foreign investment and regulatory compliance costs. We should address these repercussions and repeal FATCA.” “Any time we deal with tax laws and the disclosure of information that’s required, it is critical to remember that the Fourth Amendment right to privacy is non-negotiable,” said Rep. Meadows. “Over time, it’s become clear that FATCA goes well beyond what is permissible under Fourth Amendment protections and places a serious burden on taxpayers. I’m proud to join my friend Senator Paul to support a repeal of FATCA and to demonstrate a serious commitment to upholding our Constitution as the law of the land.” This week, Senator Paul and Representative Meadows sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney urging the administration to publicly support repealing FATCA and to take steps wi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-releases-statement-us-cruise-missile-strike/ Sen. Rand Paul Releases Statement on U.S. Cruise Missile Strike 2017-04-06 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the following statement regarding the United States’ strike on a Syrian military airfield: “While we all condemn the atrocities in Syria, the United States was not attacked. The President needs congressional authorization for military action as required by the Constitution, and I call on him to come to Congress for a proper debate. Our prior interventions in this region have done nothing to make us safer, and Syria will be no different.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-paul-booker-cummings-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-fix-broken-criminal-justice-system/ Paul, Booker, Cummings Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Fix Broken Criminal Justice System 2017-04-05 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) today re-introduced the REDEEM Act (Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment Act), a bipartisan, bicameral bill to help fix our broken criminal justice system. While the U.S. is home to less than five percent of the world’s population, it is responsible for almost 25 percent of the world’s prison population. Our crippled system wastes massive sums of taxpayer dollars to make our streets less, not more, safe. The REDEEM Act seeks to fix this broken system with seven major reforms that will help people convicted of nonviolent crimes successfully re-enter society. It would: 1) Allow adults convicted of nonviolent crimes to petition a court to have their records sealed one year after the completion of their sentence; 2) Automatically seal and, in some cases, expunge juvenile records; 3) Incentivize states to raise the age of adult criminal responsibility to 18 years old; 4) Significantly restrict room confinement of juveniles; 5) Lift the lifetime SNAP and TANF bans on people convicted of nonviolent drug crimes; 6) Combat gender disparities in the federal juvenile system; and 7) Improve the accuracy of the FBI background check system. “We cannot continue with our current system, as the War on Drugs has disproportionately affected minorities and our inner cities, and tens of thousands of young men and women have become trapped in a cycle of poverty and incarceration,” Sen. Paul said. “We can help many of these young people finally break that cycle and get a fresh start by passing the REDEEM Act to reform our criminal justice system, expunge records after time served, and prevent non-violent crimes from becoming a permanent blot on one’s record.” “Our criminal justice system is broken and we need to take steps to fix it,” Sen. Booker said. “Not only does our country have the highest incarceration rate in the world, but our prison population is disproportionately comprised of America… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sens-paul-coons-call-pakistan-release-asia-bibi-reform-laws/ Sens. Paul, Coons Call on Pakistan to Release Asia Bibi, Reform Laws 2017-04-04 2017 2017-04 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced S. Res. 109, a resolution calling on Pakistan to end the unjust imprisonment of Pakistani Christian Aasiya Noreen, commonly referred to as Asia Bibi, and to reform laws that have led to the targeting of religious minorities. Ms. Bibi was charged with blaspheming after a disagreement with neighbors, ultimately resulting in Ms. Bibi’s imprisonment, conviction, and subsequent sentencing to death row. After an international outcry, the Pakistani Supreme Court stayed her execution. If her sentencing were upheld, she would have been the first woman to be executed in Pakistan as a result of blasphemy laws. This resolution highlights her case and that of other religious minorities who have been indiscriminate victims of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. “My heart goes out to Asia Bibi as she continues to endure her unjust imprisonment in Pakistan,” said Sen. Paul. “It’s time for Pakistan to immediately release Asia Bibi and put a stop to the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities.” “No one, in any part of the world, should be victimized for freely and peacefully practicing his or her beliefs,” said Sen. Coons. “As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I am committed to working to protect religious freedom and human rights internationally. I urge the government of Pakistan to release Asia Bibi and work to promote an inclusive and pluralistic society, starting with reforming its blasphemy laws.” Ms. Bibi’s case has sparked international outrage and has drawn strong condemnation from human rights groups. Sens. Paul and Coons’ resolution is supported by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and International Christian Concern. You can read the resolution HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:37:32Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-you-say-tomato-i-say-waste/ You Say Tomato, I Say Waste 2017-03-30 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the latest edition of “The Waste Report,” an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. Tomatoes not quite tasting like they used to? Don’t worry. Your tax dollars are on the case, with the National Science Foundation (NSF) spending over $1.5 million to research how to improve a tomato’s flavor. One would expect private companies to invest to make their products better, but Dr. Paul’s Report asks if it is in the taxpayers’ best interest to spend their hard-earned funds on what is already a highly popular, massive industry. You can learn more in this week’s “Waste Report” HERE or below. **** Tomatoes: they put the “T” in BLT, are found on burgers, and make salsa what it is. They are in ketchup, pizza sauce, soups, and more. In short, tomatoes are all over the place. In fact, the average American consumes approximately 31.4 pounds of tomatoes each year, making it the second most consumed vegetable[1] in the United States after potatoes.[2] So, given its versatility and popularity, one has to wonder why the National Science Foundation spent over $1.5 million trying to improve the taste of tomatoes.[3] Make no mistake, the research is about taste. In NSF’s January press release, “Scientists develop genetic path to tastier tomatoes,” the director of the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (where the funding came from) said, “This state-of-the-art analysis sets the stage to return it to the taste of decades ago by breeding informed by molecular genetics.”[4] Apparently the research found that modern tomatoes are less tasty because they have less sugar and other flavorful chemicals. Wait … sugar will make something taste better? IS THIS IN THE TAXPAYER’S INTEREST? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), three fourths of American tomato consumption is in “processed form”: sauces, ketchup, juice, etc. Further, over a quarter of all tomato consumption occurs “away from home.”[5] The… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-holds-senate-hearing-national-debts-impact-spending/ Dr. Rand Paul Holds Senate Hearing on the National Debt’s Impact on Spending 2017-03-29 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), held a hearing entitled, “The Effect of Borrowing on Federal Spending.” The hearing looked at the extent to which debt is already affecting the federal budget, as well as how its current trajectory will impact what we can do in the future. Additionally, the hearing examined the effectiveness of the debt limit as an action-forcing mechanism for fiscal and budgetary reform, along with the consequences and strategies (such as prioritization) involved with not further raising the limit. “Congress rarely makes simple, unpleasant choices, which means we end up facing difficult and unavoidable, catastrophic problems,” Dr. Paul said in his opening statement. “We only act when circumstances force us to. This is why the debt limit is important. It’s our internal credit limit, not that of our creditors. It’s an opportunity to reassess our spending and ask, ‘How did we get here, and how do we get out of this mess?'” David Walker, former Comptroller General of the United States, noted in his testimony that, “Excessive levels of debt as a percentage of the economy can serve to reduce economic growth and job opportunities. It can also cause a ‘crisis of confidence’ in the U.S. dollar and much higher interest rates if the market ever decides that the federal government has lost control of its finances and is not willing to regain control over them.” You can watch the full hearing HERE. You can click HERE or below to watch Dr. Paul’s opening statement. CLICK HERE TO WATCH DR. PAUL’S OPENING STATEMENT WITNESSES: David Walker Senior Strategic Advisor with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Former Comptroller General of the United States, featured in the movie I.O.U.S.A. Veronique de Rugy Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and nationally syndicated columnist Mark Zandi Chief Economist for Moody’s Analytics ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-votes-against-further-expanding-nato/ Dr. Rand Paul Votes Against Further Expanding NATO 2017-03-27 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul voted against a cloture motion on ratifying the Accession Protocol for Montenegro to become the 29th member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). “There is no national security interest that an alliance with Montenegro will advance. If we invite Montenegro into NATO, it will be a one-way street, with the U.S. committing to defend yet another country, and you, the taxpayer, being stuck with the bill. Even the advocates of Montenegro joining NATO admit as much,” stated Dr. Paul on the Senate floor. CLICK HERE TO WATCH DR. PAUL’S SPEECH Before the cloture vote, Dr. Paul attempted to uphold the Constitution by introducing an amendment to prevent U.S. troops from being committed to defend Montenegro in an Article 5 situation without Congress first passing a declaration of war. You can read the amendment, which the Senate refused to consider, HERE. Montenegro would fail to meet the standard repeatedly set by President Trump that NATO members should pay their fair share, as the country would not be able to meet the guideline to spend a minimum of two percent of its GDP on defense by 2024. While the Senate is being urged to quickly act, the matter is far from settled within Montenegro’s own borders, with a 2016 opinion poll in Montenegro revealing that only 46.5 percent of the public supports NATO membership. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-comments-us-house-rejecting-obamacare-lite/ Dr. Rand Paul Comments on the U.S. House Rejecting ‘Obamacare Lite’ 2017-03-24 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul released the following statement after U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan pulled the American Health Care Act from a floor vote for the second day in a row: “I applaud House conservatives for keeping their word to the American people and standing up against Obamacare Lite,” said Dr. Paul. “I look forward to passing full repeal of Obamacare in the very near future.” Earlier this month, Dr. Paul introduced the Obamacare Repeal Act (S. 554), which is the same legislation, with an updated timeline, to repeal major components of Obamacare that an overwhelming Republican majority sent to President Obama’s desk in January 2016. You can read more about Dr. Paul’s Obamacare Repeal Act HERE. In January, Dr. Paul introduced the free-market based Obamacare Replacement Act (S. 222), which empowers Americans to: 1.) Choose inexpensive insurance free of government dictates; 2.) Save unlimited amounts in a health savings account (HSA) and have wider options for using those funds; 3.) Buy insurance across state lines; and 4.) Join together in voluntary associations to gain the leverage of being part of a large insurance pool. You can find a one-page summary of Dr. Paul’s Obamacare Replacement Act, which the House Freedom Caucus endorsed in February, HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-interesting-times/ Interesting Times 2017-03-21 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the latest edition of “The Waste Report,” an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. No one can borrow unlimited amounts of money forever, but that hasn’t stopped our federal government from trying. This week’s Report examines the results, which include nearly $2,000 of your taxes going solely toward interest payments on the national debt rather than defense, education, or infrastructure. Our government could fund the budgets of a staggering list of departments and agencies – combined – with what it instead devotes to interest. You can learn more in this week’s “Waste Report” HERE or below. **** Last week, the federal government hit what is known as the “debt ceiling.” Not sure what the debt ceiling is? Well, just like a credit card limits people on the amount they can charge, the law limits how much the federal government can borrow (the so-called “debt limit”). Be it the credit card in your wallet or federal borrowing, the reasoning for the limit is the same: no person or even government can borrow unlimited amounts of money forever. Without a limit, the minimum payments will just keep growing until they are unmanageable. When we hit the limit, Uncle Sam will try to delay but will eventually call on Congress for a credit limit increase (like anyone with a spending problem). The Federal Credit Card So what exactly does Uncle Sam’s credit card statement look like? Well, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated in January that our federal gross debt will be $20.36 trillion[1] by the end of this year, with net interest of $295 billion.[2] Both of these numbers are up from our report last year, Interested in Waste, by approximately $1 trillion and $40 billion respectively – the direct result of failing to balance the federal budget. These are all big numbers. So to put it in perspective, let’s imagine Uncle Sam is an average American and makes an annual wage of $48,320.[3] Sam would already have $288… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-hold-senate-hearing-reducing-federal-debt-and-spending/ Dr. Rand Paul to Hold Senate Hearing on Reducing Federal Debt and Spending 2017-03-17 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee for the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC), announced he will hold a hearing on Wednesday, March 29, concerning the growing federal debt and its impact on spending. “As the federal debt ceiling is reinstated this week, our national debt stands at nearly $20 trillion, with a $295 billion interest payment just this year,” said Dr. Paul. “Our present, unsustainable course directly threatens our national security and long-term stability. I look forward to hearing from experts who will make the case for reform.” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 WHAT: Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management hearing entitled, “The Effect of Borrowing on Federal Spending” WHEN: 2:30 p.m. ET WHERE: SD-342, Dirksen Senate Office Building WITNESSES: Majority Witnesses: David Walker Former United States Comptroller General, featured in the movie I.O.U.S.A. Veronique de Rugy Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and nationally syndicated columnist Minority Witness: Mark Zandi Chief Economist for Moody’s Analytics According to the Congressional Budget Office, interest on our debt today is roughly 7 percent of federal spending. By 2026, it will be nearly 11 percent. By the time a child born today graduates from high school, it will be 15 percent, and it will be more than 18 percent by the time that child is legally allowed to consume alcohol. By comparison, roughly 14 percent of our budget is spent on national defense. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-pauls-fair-act-restores-respect-5th-amendment/ Dr. Rand Paul’s FAIR Act Restores Respect for 5th Amendment 2017-03-16 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul reintroduced S. 642, the FAIR (Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration) Act to protect property owners’ rights and restore the Fifth Amendment’s role in civil forfeiture proceedings. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) has introduced companion legislation (H.R. 1555) in the U.S. House of Representatives. “The federal government has made it far too easy for government agencies to take and profit from the property of those who have not been convicted of a crime,” said Dr. Paul. “The FAIR Act will protect Americans’ Fifth Amendment rights from being infringed upon by ensuring that government agencies no longer profit from taking the property of U.S. citizens without due process. It guards against abuse while maintaining the ability of courts to order the surrender of proceeds of crime.” “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a wave of stories where the government unjustly seized property from innocent Americans without charging them with a crime,” said Rep. Walberg. “These types of abuses of civil asset forfeiture laws should be a clarion call to reform the system and uphold the constitutional rights of the American people. That’s why I’m committed to championing the FAIR Act, which includes comprehensive and bipartisan reforms to limit the scope of the government’s forfeiture powers and protect individual rights.” Dr. Paul’s FAIR Act is supported by Heritage Action, the American Civil Liberties Union, Institute for Justice, FreedomWorks, National Federation of Independent Business, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Drug Policy Alliance, Americans for Tax Reform, and Campaign for Liberty. You can read the entire legislation HERE, and you can find a section-by-section breakdown HERE. Background information is available below. Dr. Rand Paul’s S. 642, the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act: Eliminates “Equitable” Sharing: The federal “equitable” sharing program allows state law enforcement officers to turn seized property over to federal officials… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-introduces-stop-arming-terrorists-act/ Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Stop Arming Terrorists Act 2017-03-10 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act (S. 532) to prevent American taxpayers’ money from being used to directly or indirectly support armed militants who are allied with or often working under the command of al-Qaeda, ISIS, or other terrorist groups. The legislation serves as a companion bill to H.R. 608, which Representative Tulsi Gabbard (HI-2) reintroduced in January. “One of the unintended consequences of nation-building and open-ended intervention is American funds and weapons benefiting those who hate us,” said Dr. Paul. “This legislation will strengthen our foreign policy, enhance our national security, and safeguard our resources.” “For years, the U.S. government has been supporting armed militant groups working directly with and often under the command of terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda in their fight to overthrow the Syrian government. Rather than spending trillions of dollars on regime change wars in the Middle East, we should be focused on defeating terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, and using our resources to invest in rebuilding our communities here at home,” said Rep. Gabbard. “The fact that American taxpayer dollars are being used to strengthen the very terrorist groups we should be focused on defeating should alarm every Member of Congress and every American. We call on our colleagues and the Administration to join us in passing this legislation.” You can read S. 532, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, HERE, and you can find more information below: S. 532, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act: Makes it illegal for any U.S. federal government funds to be used to provide assistance covered in the bill, including weapons, munitions, weapons platforms, intelligence, logistics, training, and cash, to terrorists. Prohibits the U.S. government from providing such assistance covered in the bill to any nation that has given or continues to give such support to terrorists. Instructs the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to determine… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-reintroduces-obamacare-repeal-passed-republicans-last-congress/ Dr. Rand Paul Reintroduces Obamacare Repeal Passed by Republicans in Last Congress 2017-03-09 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul reintroduced the same legislation, with an updated timeline, to repeal major components of Obamacare that an overwhelming Republican majority sent to President Obama’s desk in January 2016. Congressman Jim Jordan (OH) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Last week, Dr. Paul was joined by U.S. Senators Mike Lee and Ted Cruz in calling for the 2015 reconciliation bill to be the minimum standard for repeal moving forward. “The Republican Party is unified on Obamacare repeal,” said Dr. Paul. “We can honor our promise right away by passing the same language we acted on in the last Congress. Then, we can have a separate vote on replacement legislation that will deliver lower costs, better care, and greater access to the American people.” In January, Dr. Paul introduced the free-market based Obamacare Replacement Act (S. 222), which empowers Americans to: 1.) Choose inexpensive insurance free of government dictates; 2.) Save unlimited amounts in a health savings account (HSA) and have wider options for using those funds; 3.) Buy insurance across state lines; and 4.) Join together in voluntary associations to gain the leverage of being part of a large insurance pool. You can find a one-page summary of Dr. Paul’s Obamacare Replacement Act HERE. You can read S. 554, the Obamacare Repeal Act, HERE, and you can find more details below. S. 554, the Obamacare Repeal Act: Repeals the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF), which gives $2 billion a year to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to spend however they like. The PPHF has also been called the “Obamacare Slush Fund.” Eliminates the penalties associated with Obamacare’s individual and employer mandates to purchase health coverage, effectively ending the mandates. Repeals the Medical Device Tax beginning in 2018. Repeals the Cadillac Tax in 2020, stopping it from going into effect. Prevents the HHS Secretary from making payments under Obamaca… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-dr-paul-rep-meadows-lets-fully-repeal-obamacare-and-then-have-open-debate-how-replace-it/ ICYMI: Dr. Paul, Rep. Meadows: Let’s fully repeal ObamaCare, and then have an open debate on how to replace it. 2017-03-06 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in a joint op-ed at FoxNews.com, U.S. Senator Rand Paul and U.S. House Freedom Caucus chairman Mark Meadows called on congressional leadership to pass a clean repeal of Obamacare right away and ensure a fair, open replacement process so all voices are heard. “If anyone tells you there isn’t a plan that can both keep our promises to repeal, and work in a bipartisan, open way for replace, tell them conservatives have a plan to do just that,” Dr. Paul and Rep. Meadows stated. “Now let’s hope our leadership will listen, because it is the only way they’re going to get our votes.” You can read the entire op-ed HERE or below. You can find a one-page summary of Dr. Paul’s Obamacare Replacement Act, which has been endorsed by the House Freedom Caucus, HERE. **** Republicans across America ran on repealing the Big Government takeover of our health care system that is ObamaCare. Opposition to ObamaCare helped the GOP win the House in 2010, the Senate in 2014, and the White House in 2016. Repealing ObamaCare has been a key facet of all our recent victories. No Democrat will vote for a stand-alone, real repeal. But nearly every Republican will – in fact, nearly all of them already did in 2015. We call on Congressional leaders to keep their word to the American people, to push a real repeal of ObamaCare, and to do it now. The only way to really do that in a way that ensures passage is to move forward with a “clean” repeal, such as the 2015 repeal bill. Many conservatives have called for Replace bills at the same time as a repeal bill. A free market replacement bill has been introduced in the Senate and a companion bill endorsed by the House Freedom Caucus. Others have their own plans and ideas. The White House will no doubt have some ideas, as well. We should debate all of these replacement ideas on the same day we pass Repeal, but we will have to separate the debate into at least two different bills because there is no consensus with leadership on replacement. While the vast majority of Repub… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-denied-copy-us-houses-obamacare-repeal-draft/ Dr. Rand Paul Denied a Copy of U.S. House’s Obamacare Repeal Draft 2017-03-02 2017 2017-03 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul learned that the U.S. House’s Obamacare repeal-and-replace draft legislation is being hidden away in a “secure location” and was denied in the U.S. Capitol building from making a copy of the legislation for the American people and all of their representatives to read. “I promised Kentuckians I would fight to ensure Congress has enough time to read legislation before voting, and that I would not back down from repealing and replacing Obamacare with a plan that lowers prices, expands choices, and strengthens health care,” said Dr. Paul. “It is already bad enough that it appears House leadership wants us to settle for ‘Obamacare Lite,’ but now we can’t even expect full transparency during the process. “I will not settle,” Dr. Paul continued, “and I will not stand idly by while the American people are kept in the dark. I will continue to speak out for full repeal.” In January, Dr. Paul introduced the free-market based Obamacare Replacement Act (S. 222), which empowers Americans to: 1.) Choose inexpensive insurance free of government dictates; 2.) Save unlimited amounts in a health savings account (HSA) and have wider options for using those funds; 3.) Buy insurance across state lines; and 4.) Join together in voluntary associations to gain the leverage of being part of a large insurance pool. You can find a one-page summary of Dr. Paul’s Obamacare Replacement Act HERE. Dr. Paul has also previously introduced the “Read the Bills Act” to give members of Congress enough time to fully evaluate legislation before voting. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:30:05Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-sens-paul-lee-and-cruz-will-oppose-obamacare-lite/ ICYMI: Sens. Paul, Lee, and Cruz Will Oppose ‘Obamacare Lite’ 2017-02-28 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul was joined by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) in taking a firm, public stand to declare they would accept nothing less than full repeal of Obamacare. In the following, coordinated tweets, the senators put those who would push “Obamacare Lite” on notice that they will not vote for any such plans. “Congress must keep its word. We were elected to fully repeal and replace Obamacare, and that’s the only thing I will vote for,” said Sen. Paul. “The legislation brought to the Senate floor must at least match the standard set by the 2015 repeal bill that both chambers of Congress passed.” The senators’ stand, coupled with that of members of the U.S. House Freedom Caucus and Republican Study Committee, demonstrates that conservatives will not lie down and just accept anything under the banner of repealing Obamacare. In addition, Senator Paul and the U.S. House Freedom Caucus have united to put forward a substantive, free-market based Obamacare Replacement Act, which they are urging Congress to vote on at the same time as repeal. You can find a one-page summary of S. 222, Dr. Paul’s Obamacare Replacement Act, HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-applauds-executive-order-supporting-kentucky-farmers-and-coal-miners/ Sen. Rand Paul Applauds Executive Order Supporting Kentucky Farmers and Coal Miners 2017-02-28 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released the following statement applauding President Trump’s executive order calling for a review and reconsideration of the Waters of the U.S. Rule and re-defining “Navigable Waters” in a manner consistent with the Scalia opinion in Rapanos v. United States and his own Defense of Environment and Property Act. The Obama administration EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ WOTUS rule significantly expands the definition of waters in the U.S. to include non-navigable waters, certain dry land, drains, ditches, small ponds, and even depressions in fields that are only wet after heavy rains. Sen. Paul’s Defense of Environment and Property Act, like President Trump’s executive order, defines navigable waters as navigable-in-fact and relatively permanent bodies of water. “Repealing the Waters of the U.S. rule, one of the most egregious examples of government overreach on Kentucky farmers and miners, has always been a top priority of mine,” said Dr. Paul. “I applaud the President for continuing his efforts to provide regulatory relief to all Americans.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-presents-worldwide-waste-part-7/ Dr. Rand Paul Presents: ‘Worldwide Waste,’ Part 7 2017-02-23 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee, released the seventh installment of his “Worldwide Waste” series, a special project of “The Waste Report.” Dr. Paul’s “Waste Report” alerts taxpayers to egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government to help reform spending and keep legislators accountable to the people. Unmoored from significant strategic priorities, foreign institutional development projects tend to least benefit the American taxpayers who fund them. While the endeavors may have laudable intentions, and some measure of benefit somewhere, programs that do not meet a policy priority and do not benefit American taxpayers are simply bad policy that Congress should do more to reform or eliminate. This edition of “Worldwide Waste” covers examples such as our government devoting nearly $3 million to producing foreign television dramas, granting $400,000 to cut business-stifling regulations in Armenia with a “regulatory guillotine,” while America’s own businesses remain buried under a mountain of regulations, and spending over $550,000 for the Department of the Treasury to, in part, advise Moldova’s central bank on how to manipulate interest rates. You can learn about all these and more in “Worldwide Waste,” Part 7 HERE, and you can find a summary of its featured stories and the amounts involved HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-joins-president-trump-signing-legislation-protecting-kentucky-coal-industry/ Dr. Rand Paul Joins President Trump for Signing of Legislation Protecting Kentucky Coal Industry 2017-02-16 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul joined President Donald Trump for the official signing of legislation benefiting Kentucky’s coal industry. H.J. Res. 38 exercises Congress’ power under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the newly implemented Stream Buffer Rule. Last month, Sen. Paul joined fellow Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell and 28 other Senators in introducing the Senate version, S.J. Res. 10, which was followed by the House’s companion measure. “I am excited to join the President today as he signs and enacts our initiative to finally provide relief to our coal industry,” said Dr. Paul. “I am proud to be keeping my word to Kentucky’s hardworking coal miners and their families as I continue to work to roll back the disastrous effects of the Obama administration’s War on Coal.” You can find video of the event, where Dr. Paul also spoke, HERE. The Stream Buffer Rule’s provisions included prohibiting coal mining within 100 feet of streams (with limited exceptions) and shutting down surface mining if an animal species that is merely being proposed for listing as endangered or threatened is present in or near the mine. It also allowed federal bureaucrats to preempt and overrule state permitting standards. The National Mining Association had estimated that the Rule endangered one third of coal-related jobs and could have cost billions in lost federal and state tax revenue. In addition to cosponsoring S.J. Res. 10, Dr. Paul previously worked to protect coal miners from the Stream Buffer Rule through direct intervention with the Department of Interior and OSM, as well as cosponsoring the STREAM Act in the 114th Congress to delay its implementation. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-presents-worldwide-waste-part-6/ Dr. Rand Paul Presents: ‘Worldwide Waste,’ Part 6 2017-02-15 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee, released the sixth installment of his “Worldwide Waste” series, a special project of “The Waste Report.” Dr. Paul’s “Waste Report” alerts taxpayers to egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government to help reform spending and keep legislators accountable to the people. If too many countries have American taxpayers funding some form of tourism promotion, then would-be tourists are being told, effectively, to visit everywhere. But because they can’t visit everywhere, it means that taxpayers are likely not getting a very good return on the considerable global expense they have paid to promote foreign tourism. It also means the United States is basically competing for tourists against itself, harming the countless American businesses that are sensitive to the loss or gain of tourism-based revenue. “Worldwide Waste, Part 6” reports on stories such as our government sending $98 million in tourism support to Jordan, more than $16 million over many years to Macedonia, including on projects to make it a hot spot for adventure tourists, and nearly $2 million to Belarus, including to a bed and breakfast featured by USAID that led tourists in an ancient rite to a pagan harvest god. You can learn about all these and more in “Worldwide Waste,” Part 6 HERE, and you can find a summary of its featured stories and the amounts involved HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-continues-work-stop-multi-million-dollar-tax-lake-cumberland-community/ Dr. Rand Paul Continues Work to Stop Multi-Million Dollar Tax on Lake Cumberland Community 2017-02-14 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Friday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to voice his opposition to their plan to require municipal and industrial users of Lake Cumberland to pay for water supply from Lake Cumberland and yearly operation and maintenance costs of the dam and lake. In the letter, he also requested USACE not consider these water supply users to be trespassers for continuing to withdraw water from the lake in the absence of water supply storage agreements. Additionally, he asked that the Corps delay any action furthering this plan until the administration has nominated and the Senate has confirmed a new Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), so that he or she may have a chance to consider, revise, or suspend any such plan. Dr. Paul has previously introduced legislation to address this issue, and has met with local leaders many times to discuss potential solutions. “I refuse to believe that a multi-million dollar tax increase on the backs of hard-working Kentuckians for continuing to access a natural resource they have long been using is the only solution, and strongly disagree with the Corps’ onerous plan,” said Dr. Paul. “I will continue working on behalf of the Lake Cumberland community on this issue, and I encourage Kentuckians to join me in filing comments to the Corps during the comment period, as we all work to prevent these outrageous fees.” The comment period is open now through March 1st, 2017. Comments should be addressed to Mr. Chip Hall, and may be either emailed to CorpsLRNPlanningPublicCom@usace.army.mil or mailed to: Department of the Army, Nashville District, Corps of Engineers 110 9th Avenue South, Room A-405 Nashville, TN 37203 You can view the letter HERE. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-rep-mark-sanford-members-freedom-caucus-holding-joint-press-conference-obamacare/ Sen. Rand Paul, Rep. Mark Sanford, & members of the Freedom Caucus Holding Joint Press Conference on Obamacare Replacement 2017-02-14 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – This Wednesday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and U.S. Representative Mark Sanford (R-SC) will hold a joint press conference concerning their Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) replacement legislation. They will be joined by members of the House Freedom Caucus who have endorsed the plan and will help usher it through the House of Representatives. “This legislation is the conservative solution to replacing Obamacare, and it will enable millions more to acquire affordable insurance through the free market,” said Sen. Paul. Date: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017 Time: 1 p.m. ET Location: Capitol Visitor Center, HVC Studio A, HVC 117 Who: Credentialed members of the media Press Contact For questions regarding location or directions to the studio, please contact House Radio-TV Gallery staff at 202-225-5214. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-presents-worldwide-waste-part-5/ Dr. Rand Paul Presents: ‘Worldwide Waste,’ Part 5 2017-02-08 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee, released the fifth installment of his “Worldwide Waste” series, a special project of “The Waste Report.” Dr. Paul’s “Waste Report” alerts taxpayers to egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government to help reform spending and keep legislators accountable to the people. Flush with taxpayer money and unencumbered by significant congressional oversight, the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), created by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969, has had the leeway to place funds where and how it wants, with seemingly little worry of having to justify or account for its actions to either elected policymakers or the American people. “Worldwide Waste, Part 5” takes a detailed look at this spending spree, including $1.7 million to assist fair-trade coffee cultivation in Nicaragua, over $328,000 to support a Haitian dance troupe, and over $217,000 to help a Mayan radio station in Belize. You can learn more in “Worldwide Waste,” Part 5 HERE, and you can find a summary of its featured stories and the amounts involved HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-dr-rand-paul-president-trump-should-reject-failed-foreign-policy-advisers/ ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul: President Trump Should Reject Failed Foreign Policy Advisers 2017-02-07 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an op-ed published today at Rare, U.S. Senator Rand Paul urged President Trump to reject the neoconservatives’ nation-building, perpetual war philosophy by selecting a Deputy Secretary of State that can be trusted to implement the administration’s agenda. “One of the things I like most about President Trump is his acknowledgement that nation-building does not work and actually works against the nation-building we need to do here at home,” said Dr. Paul in the piece. “With a $20 trillion debt, we don’t have the money to do both. “I urge him to keep that in mind this week when he meets with Elliott Abrams, the rumored pick for second in command to the Secretary of State. “Abrams would be a terrible appointment for countless reasons. He doesn’t agree with the president in so many areas of foreign policy, and he has said so repeatedly.” You can read Dr. Paul’s entire op-ed HERE or below. *** I hope against hope that the rumors are wrong, and that President Donald Trump will not open the State Department door to the neocons. Crack the door to admit Elliott Abrams, and the neocons will scurry in by the hundreds. Neoconservative interventionists have had us at perpetual war for 25 years. While President Trump has repeatedly stated his belief that the Iraq War was a mistake, the neocons (all of them Never-Trumpers) continue to maintain that the Iraq and Libyan Wars were brilliant ideas. These are the same people who think we must blow up half the Middle East, then rebuild it and police it for decades. They’re wrong, and they should not be given a voice in this administration. One of the things I like most about President Trump is his acknowledgement that nation-building does not work and actually works against the nation-building we need to do here at home. With a $20 trillion debt, we don’t have the money to do both. I urge him to keep that in mind this week when he meets with Elliott Abrams, the rumored pick for second in command to the Secretary of State. Abrams would be a terrible app… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-big-victory-kentucky-coal-miners-dr-rand-pauls-effort-protect-kentucky-coal-industry-passes/ Big Victory for Kentucky Coal Miners: Dr. Rand Paul’s Effort to Protect Kentucky Coal Industry Passes Senate 2017-02-02 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul applauded the U.S. Senate for passing legislation to protect Kentucky’s coal industry by overturning regulation aimed at putting them out of business. Earlier this week, Dr. Paul joined fellow Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell and 27 of his Senate colleagues in introducing S.J. Res. 10, a resolution of disapproval that would exercise Congress’ power under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the newly implemented Stream Protection Rule. Last night, the U.S. House passed a companion measure, and the full legislation is now headed to the President’s desk. “This is a huge victory for Kentucky’s hardworking coal miners and their families, and I am excited for the President to sign this important legislation to finally provide relief to our coal industry,” said Dr. Paul. “I promised to always defend Kentucky from the federal government’s War on Coal, and I look forward to continuing that fight as we build on this victory to finally defeat the bureaucratic overreach that has plagued our Commonwealth for far too long.” On December 19, the Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) finalized the Rule, which went into effect on January 19 without the federal government following Congress’ mandates to fully cooperate with the states. The Stream Protection Rule’s provisions include prohibiting coal mining within 100 feet of streams (with limited exceptions) and shutting down surface mining if an animal species that is merely being proposed for listing as endangered or threatened is present in or near the mine. It also allows federal bureaucrats to preempt and overrule state permitting standards. The National Mining Association estimates that the Rule endangers one third of coal-related jobs and could cost billions in lost federal and state tax revenue. In addition to cosponsoring S.J. Res. 10, Dr. Paul previously worked to protect coal miners from the Stream Protection Rule through direct intervention with the Department of Inte… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-presents-worldwide-waste-part-4/ Dr. Rand Paul Presents: ‘Worldwide Waste,’ Part 4 2017-02-01 2017 2017-02 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee, released the fourth installment of his “Worldwide Waste” series, a special project of “The Waste Report.” Dr. Paul’s “Waste Report” alerts taxpayers to egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government to help reform spending and keep legislators accountable to the people. Despite recent passage of a five-year highway bill, Congress has still not addressed many of the long-term questions of how to fund America’s infrastructure needs. Meanwhile, it has shown little concern about devoting significant amounts of money to similar infrastructure and related projects overseas. “Worldwide Waste,” Part 4 examines the outcome of many of these taxpayer-funded projects, including $233 million to construct an Afghanistan highway (which started with a $69 million budget), nearly $2 million to promote motorcycle helmet laws in Cambodia, and $43 million to build a natural gas filling station in Afghanistan that nobody could use. You can learn more in “Worldwide Waste,” Part 4 HERE, and you can find a summary of its featured stories and the amounts involved HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:24:24Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-congratulates-judge-gorsuch/ Dr. Rand Paul Congratulates Judge Gorsuch 2017-01-31 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court: “I congratulate President Trump for nominating a conservative jurist with outstanding credentials and experience to the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch is a worthy successor to Justice Scalia, a committed originalist, a strong defender of religious liberty and states’ rights, and a bulwark against the administrative state. I look forward to working with my colleagues for a speedy confirmation and to having another Justice who will defend the Constitution.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-stands-coal-miners-opposing-stream-protection-rule/ Dr. Rand Paul Stands up for Coal Miners by Opposing Stream Protection Rule 2017-01-31 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul joined fellow Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell and 27 of his Senate colleagues in introducing S.J. Res. 10, a resolution of disapproval that would exercise Congress’ power under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the newly implemented Stream Protection Rule. The Senate will consider the legislation after the House votes on a companion measure, which is expected soon. On December 19, the Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) finalized the Rule, which went into effect on January 19 without the federal government following Congress’ mandates to fully cooperate with the states. “It seems the Obama administration couldn’t resist firing one last shot in its War on Coal before leaving town,” said Dr. Paul. “I’m excited about our chance to repeal regulations that deny Kentucky’s hardworking men and women their chance to fully flourish in their professions. Getting rid of this overzealous attempt to destroy Kentucky’s coal industry will send a message that ‘business as usual’ will no longer be tolerated from federal regulatory agencies.” The Stream Protection Rule’s provisions include prohibiting coal mining within 100 feet of streams (with limited exceptions) and shutting down surface mining if an animal species that is merely being proposed for listing as endangered or threatened is present in or near the mine. It also allows federal bureaucrats to preempt and overrule state permitting standards. The National Mining Association estimates that the Rule endangers one third of coal-related jobs and could cost billions in lost federal and state tax revenue. In addition to cosponsoring S.J. Res. 10, Dr. Paul previously worked to protect coal miners from the Stream Protection Rule through direct intervention with the Department of Interior and OSM, as well as cosponsoring the STREAM Act in the 114th Congress to delay its implementation. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-applauds-president-trumps-executive-action-regulations/ Dr. Rand Paul Applauds President Trump’s Executive Action on Regulations 2017-01-30 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul applauded President Trump’s Executive Order requiring federal agencies to eliminate two existing regulations for each new one they introduce. The Order would also establish a regulatory budget that offsets new costs with the savings gained from repealing two current regulations. “Today’s action is a refreshing and long-overdue change from the big government status quo in Washington,” said Dr. Paul. “Overzealous regulators have crushed Kentucky’s industries and job creators under their decrees, and this is a promising start to unshackling Kentuckians from unnecessary interference. “I also believe Congressman Mick Mulvaney is exactly the person the country needs to helm this effort as OMB Director, and I urge his swift approval by the Senate,” Dr. Paul added. Since his election to Congress, Dr. Paul has led the way to restore the American people’s voice in the regulatory process. Earlier this month, Dr. Paul reintroduced the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act to rein in unelected federal bureaucrats by requiring that Congress affirmatively approve every new “major rule” proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced on the American people. A “major rule” is defined as any federal rule or regulation that may result in: 1.) an annual economic impact of $100 million or more; 2.) a major increase in costs or prices for American consumers; or 3.) significant adverse effects on the economy. You can read S. 21, the REINS Act, HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-honors-2017-march-life/ Dr. Rand Paul Honors the 2017 March for Life 2017-01-27 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul issued the following statement honoring the annual March for Life: “Our nation enshrined the fundamental concept of the right to life the moment we announced our independence to the world. Today, thousands will stand in the heart of our capital to give voice to those who cannot speak and call on our leaders to honor that commitment. This week, I reintroduced the Life at Conception Act, which guarantees equal protection for each unborn life under the 14th Amendment. Our dedication to advancing liberty must start by preserving that of the most innocent among us. I hope the message heard today loudly echoes throughout our country as we seek to restore a respect for life at all its stages.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-unveils-obamacare-replacement-act/ Dr. Rand Paul Unveils Obamacare Replacement Act 2017-01-25 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator and physician Rand Paul introduced S. 222, the Obamacare Replacement Act, to provide Congress with a health care plan grounded in broadly supported conservative reforms that is ready for an immediate vote after Obamacare is repealed. Dr. Paul’s proposal would expand access to higher-quality, lower-cost health care for more Americans, regardless of medical history. “Getting government out of the American people’s way and putting them back in charge of their own health care decisions will deliver a strong, efficient system that doesn’t force them to empty out their pockets to cover their medical bills,” said Dr. Paul. “There is no excuse for waiting to craft an alternative until after we repeal Obamacare, and the Obamacare Replacement Act charts a new path forward that will insure the most people possible at the lowest price.” The Obamacare Replacement Act empowers the American people to: 1.) Choose inexpensive insurance free of government dictates; 2.) Save unlimited amounts in a health savings account (HSA) and have wider options for using those funds; 3.) Buy insurance across state lines; and 4.) Join together in voluntary associations to gain the leverage of being part of a large insurance pool. Dr. Paul has led the charge to replace Obamacare at the same time it is repealed, and he has been joined in calling for simultaneous action by fellow Republicans including President Trump and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. You can see Dr. Paul’s entire plan laid out section by section HERE, and you can find summary information below. Dr. Rand Paul’s Obamacare Replacement Act, S. 222: Legalizes Inexpensive Insurance Plans: Ensures that Americans can purchase the health insurance coverage that best fits their needs. Eliminates Obamacare’s essential health benefits requirement, along with other restrictive coverage and plan requirements, to once again make low-cost insurance options available to American consumers. Protects Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions: Prov… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-presents-worldwide-waste-part-2/ Dr. Rand Paul Presents: ‘Worldwide Waste,’ Part 2 2017-01-18 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee, released the second installment of his “Worldwide Waste” series, a special project of “The Waste Report.” Dr. Paul’s “Waste Report” alerts taxpayers to egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government to help reform spending and keep legislators accountable to the people. As “Worldwide Waste, Part 2” examines, millions of our tax dollars are advancing the exports of other countries, while we increasingly find many of our own exports at a global competitive disadvantage. Young Americans are finding it difficult to break into the job market after college, yet their taxes help find jobs for foreign college graduates. American farmers are vulnerable to economic pressure and rising costs, while, at the same time, their taxes support foreign farmers and foreign goods. You can find these examples and more in “Worldwide Waste,” Part 2 HERE, and you can find a summary of its featured stories and the amounts involved HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-votes-against-unbalanced-budget/ Dr. Rand Paul Votes Against Unbalanced Budget 2017-01-12 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul released the following statement after voting “No” on the budget resolution, Senate Con. Res. 3, early Thursday morning: “As a physician, I cannot wait to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a health care system that relies on freedom to provide quality, comprehensive, and affordable care. “But putting nearly $10 trillion more in debt on the American people’s backs through a budget that never balances is not the way to get there. It is the exact opposite of the change Republicans promised, and I cannot support it, even as a placeholder. “Kentucky sent me to the Senate to put an end to the out-of-control spending. Unfortunately, this new Congress has chosen to continue the status quo. Not only are we not cutting spending, but we are also proposing an increase at an exponential pace. There is no reason we cannot repeal Obamacare and pass a balanced budget at the same time.” Earlier this week, Dr. Paul introduced an amendment laying out how Congress could balance the budget by 2024 and still repeal Obamacare. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-icymi-dr-rand-paul-introduces-transportation-sec-nominee-elaine-chao/ ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Transportation Sec. Nominee Elaine Chao 2017-01-11 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, U.S. Senator Rand Paul joined Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to introduce former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao at her nomination hearing to be Secretary of Transportation. You can find video and a transcript of Dr. Paul’s remarks to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation below. CLICK HERE TO WATCH DR. PAUL’S INTRODUCTION TRANSCRIPT: Mr. Chairman, it is my privilege this morning to introduce a dear friend and a fellow Kentuckian, Secretary Elaine Chao, for her nomination hearing to serve as Secretary of Transportation. I would also like to welcome her family, including Dr. James Chao, who is renowned in his own right. My wife, Kelley, and I have come to know Elaine well since our first election to the Senate six years ago, and we are both grateful for her many kindnesses and friendship as we transitioned to public service. We both admire Elaine for her thoughtfulness, integrity, intellect, and dedicated service to the country. Elaine’s record of accomplishment and leadership make her a truly exceptional candidate. Prior to her nomination, Secretary Chao had served this nation under three Presidential Administrations, most notably as the longest-serving Secretary of Labor since World War II under President George W. Bush. As an immigrant to this country, Secretary Chao’s successes are not only a testament to the American Dream, but also the unbridled spirit of Kentucky. Having emigrated from Taiwan at the age of 8 with no background in the English language, Secretary Chao would copy all the words of her teachers on the blackboard so her parents could go over them daily when she arrived at home to improve her English skills. Her father worked three jobs to support their six children, but they always expressed optimism for the future. The family was truly grateful to be in America, and despite the challenges, they seized the opportunity that this nation had to offer. Secretary Chao’s parents’ belief in education, service, and hard work set t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-presents-worldwide-waste-part-1/ Dr. Rand Paul Presents: ‘Worldwide Waste,’ Part 1 2017-01-10 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Federal Spending Oversight Subcommittee, released the first installment of his “Worldwide Waste” series, a special project of “The Waste Report.” Dr. Paul’s “Waste Report” alerts taxpayers to egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government to help reform spending and keep legislators accountable to the people. In 2015 alone, the U.S. government’s foreign assistance programs, which have largely escaped close scrutiny, absorbed $48 billion of taxpayers’ money. This amount represents the average tax liability of 6.6 million Americans – about one-and-a-half times the population of Dr. Paul’s state of Kentucky. Dr. Paul’s series will equip Americans with specific examples of how their money is being misused, offer possible solutions, and narrow the accountability gap between the American taxpayer and their representatives, who have searched frantically for excuses to protect the overseas-spending status quo. By its end, “Worldwide Waste” will identify over $3 billion of waste in our government’s foreign assistance programs. You can read Part 1 HERE, and you can find a summary of its featured stories HERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-senators-reintroduce-reins-act/ Senators Reintroduce REINS Act 2017-01-05 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), along with Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and 23 other cosponsors, reintroduced the “Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny” (REINS) Act as one of the first bills filed in the 115th Congress (S. 21). The REINS Act would rein in unelected federal bureaucrats by requiring that Congress affirmatively approve every new “major rule” proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced on the American people. A “major rule” is defined as any federal rule or regulation that may result in 1.) an annual economic impact of $100 million or more, 2.) a major increase in costs or prices for American consumers, or 3.) significant adverse effects on the economy. “Increasingly, regulatory agencies are wreaking havoc on freedom and our economy by imposing rules that carry the force of law but lack approval by the people’s representatives,” said Sen. Paul. “Just ask Kentuckians about what the EPA’s war on coal has cost our state. REINS is an important first step toward increasing accountability, oversight, and transparency in Washington, and it’s one of the best ways President-elect Trump and the new Republican Congress can show we’re responding to the American people’s demand for change.” “This is a fix to Executive overreach as well as a troubling trend of Congress, as an institution, giving up its legislative prerogative and delegating much of its power to the Executive Branch, which, as of late, has resulted in costly and burdensome regulations,” said Sen. Young. “As the son of a small business owner, I know how regulatory overreach can stifle our local economies and cost American jobs. By making Congress ultimately responsible for the rules Americans must live by, the REINS Act will give Hoosiers, and all Americans, a louder voice in the regulatory process through their elected representatives.” “The legislative branch is the people’s branch of government. Members of Congress rightly hear from the people w… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-puts-forward-conservative-vision-balanced-budget/ Sen. Rand Paul Puts Forward Conservative Vision for a Balanced Budget 2017-01-04 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul urged his colleagues to put a stop to Washington’s runaway spending and pass a balanced budget. In a speech delivered on the Senate floor, Dr. Paul explained his opposition to Senate Con. Res 3, legislation he pointed out will add $9.7 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years without ever balancing. To present a conservative path forward, Dr. Paul will introduce an amendment to the bill that would balance the budget while still repealing Obamacare. “Ten trillion worth of new debt. I’m not for it. That’s not why I ran for office,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s not why I’m here. It’s not why I spend time away from my family and from my medical practice. It’s because debt is consuming our country.” “At the appropriate time, I will introduce an amendment that will strike and replace this budget, and in its place, I will put forward a conservative vision for the country.” Dr. Paul’s balanced budget amendment will: Balance the budget by 2024 while still repealing Obamacare Freeze all on-budget spending without making changes to Social Security. Start in 2018, giving agencies time to prepare for new spending levels. Contain zero specific cuts to any function of government – allowing the new administration and Congress to work together to prioritize spending. You can find a transcript of Dr. Paul’s remarks and a video of his speech below. CLICK HERE TO WATCH DR. PAUL’S FLOOR SPEECH TRANSCRIPT: The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same. Republicans won the White House. Republicans control the Senate. Republicans control the House. And what will the first order of business be for the new Republican majority? To pass a budget that never balances. To pass a budget that will add $9.7 trillion of new debt over ten years. Is that really what we campaigned on? Is that really what the Republican Party represents? Our first order of business will be a budget that never balances. A budget that adds $9.7 trillion to the debt, and they tell us, “Oh, but… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-reintroduces-audit-fed-2/ Sen. Rand Paul Reintroduces ‘Audit the Fed’ 2017-01-04 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul reintroduced his Federal Reserve Transparency Act, widely known as the “Audit the Fed” bill, to prevent the Federal Reserve from concealing vital information on its operations from Congress. Eight cosponsors joined Senator Paul on the legislation. Representative Thomas Massie (KY-4) has introduced companion legislation, H.R. 24, in the U.S. House. “No institution holds more power over the future of the American economy and the value of our savings than the Federal Reserve,” said Sen. Paul, “yet Fed Chair Yellen refuses to be fully accountable to the people’s representatives.” “The U.S. House has responded to the American people by passing Audit the Fed multiple times, and President-elect Trump has stated his support for an audit. Let’s send him the bill this Congress.” “The American public deserves more insight into the practices of the Federal Reserve,” said Rep. Massie. “Behind closed doors, the Fed crafts monetary policy that will continue to devalue our currency, slow economic growth, and make life harder for the poor and middle class. It is time to force the Federal Reserve to operate by the same standards of transparency and accountability to the taxpayers that we should demand of all government agencies.” On January 12, 2016, a bipartisan Senate majority voted 53-44 in support of Audit the Fed. S. 16 would require the nonpartisan, independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough audit of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors and reserve banks within one year of the bill’s passage and to report back to Congress within 90 days of completing the audit. Audit the Fed would amend section 714b of Title 31 of the U.S. Code to allow the GAO to fully audit: transactions for or with a foreign central bank, government of a foreign country, or nonprivate international financing organization; deliberations, decisions, or actions on monetary policy matters, including discount window operations, reserves of member banks, securities … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-returns-congress/ Dr. Rand Paul Returns to Congress 2017-01-03 2017 2017-01 Republican Senate KY Rand Paul P000603 www.paul.senate.gov paul https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul once again pledged to defend the Constitution as the 115th Congress convened. This marked the start of Dr. Paul’s second consecutive Senate term. “It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Kentucky in the U.S. Senate,” said Dr. Paul. “I’m humbled to have their trust to represent them during this pivotal time, and I’m excited about our upcoming opportunity to reduce unnecessary government interference in their lives.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:17:04Z
https://raskin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-elect-raskin-gop-rules-change-targets-federal-workers-sets-stage-ravage Rep.-Elect Raskin: GOP Rules Change Targets Federal Workers, Sets Stage to Ravage Social Safety Net 2017-01-02 2017 2017-01 Democrat Senate MD Jamie Raskin R000606 raskin.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Representative-elect Jamie Raskin (MD-08) is raising serious concerns about the House Republicans’ proposed rule changes for the 115th Congress. Members will vote on the House rules package, H. Res. 5, after they are sworn in on Tuesday, January 3rd. The Republicans’ proposed rules package would impose a number of significant changes, including one provision that would authorize the Sergeant-at-Arms to unilaterally exercise the House of Representatives’ power to punish Members--without any due process at all. He has identified two more “deeply troubling” provisions that would target federal workers in the appropriations process; and set the stage for an on attack Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Exposing Federal Workers to Individual Attack – Section 3(a) of H. Res. 5 “This change would reinstate the so-called ‘Holman Rule’ to allow provisions reducing federal workers’ salaries, and even abolishing their positions, to be slipped into general appropriation bills,” said Raskin. “The same people who are asking agencies to ‘name names’ of federal employees who are working on climate change, or other politically incorrect projects, now want to weaponize the appropriations process in the coming war against the federal workforce. Not only do they want Cabinet Secretaries who oppose the mission of their departments, they want to be able to target individual federal employees for salary cuts and to threaten them en masse with wholesale firing.” “The war on science, health care, and the environment is fast becoming a war on the federal workforce,” Raskin noted. “We rely on federal workers to make scientific progress, to protect the environment, to move our economy, to care for our veterans, to protect our country’s borders, to deliver our Social Security checks, and to make America work. We should not turn the clock back on House rules to permit the targeting and scapegoating of federal employees and the politicization of the civil service.” Attacking Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – S… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://raskin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-elect-raskin-says-gop-rules-change-unconstitutional-power-grab Rep.-Elect Raskin Says GOP Rules Change an Unconstitutional Power Grab 2017-01-02 2017 2017-01 Democrat Senate MD Jamie Raskin R000606 raskin.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Representative-elect Jamie Raskin (MD-08) is raising serious concerns about the House Republicans’ proposed rule changes for the 115th Congress. Members will vote on the House rules package, H. Res. 5, after they are sworn in on Tuesday, January 3rd. The Republicans’ proposed rules package would impose a number of significant changes, including a provision that would authorize the Sergeant-at-Arms to unilaterally exercise the House of Representatives’ power to punish Members--without any due process at all.  “From the first Congress in 1789, the full House and only the full House has exercised the power to punish, censure, and fine Members. But this rule for the first time proposes to delegate this constitutional power to punish Members to the Sergeant-at-Arms, who would be able to declare Members guilty of certain rules violations without any due process at all,” Raskin explained. “Members could be fined $2,500 for doing or saying something that they consider protected under the Speech and Debate Clause by an administrative officer, who reports only to the House Speaker, without seeing any formal charges, without being afforded a hearing, and without even the opportunity to be heard. This power grab shreds the most basic notions of due process for legislators while transferring the constitutional power that belongs only to the House itself to an unelected official.  Whoever wrote this rule has not thought it through. We must defeat it first thing on Tuesday.” “The Republicans’ rule change authorizes the Sergeant-at-Arms to impose a $2,500 fine on Members of Congress who allegedly use photographic, audio, or visual recording devices in an improper way on the House floor. Article 1 of the Constitution clearly provides for punishment of Members of Congress, but it has historically required a vote by the full House of Representatives to do so. Republicans want to depart from two centuries of legal precedent to delegate this legislative authority to the Sergeant-at-Arms.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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