Bowling Green Today

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) took to the Senate floor to voice his strong opposition to the foreign aid spending bill. Dr. Paul, known for his focus on protecting America's borders, spoke as part of a talking filibuster to force a debate on the bill.

Dr. Paul made several passionate remarks during the filibuster, expressing his concerns about the bill's allocation of funds. He stated, "This bill gives the finger to American taxpayers. This bill gives the finger to all of America. This bill is Ukraine first, America last." He further emphasized the need for the United States to prioritize its own problems before attempting to solve the world's issues.

While Dr. Paul acknowledged the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, he emphasized that his first responsibility as a senator is to his own country. He criticized the staggering amount of money being allocated to Ukraine, saying, "If we are to send $100 billion overseas, it will be a total of $170 billion. Never, ever in the history of the United States have we ever sent so much money to one country, $170 billion."

Dr. Paul also highlighted the financial burden that this bill would impose on the United States. He pointed out that the money being sent to Ukraine is not readily available, stating, "It's not like we have the money sitting around. Our money is all gone." He raised concerns about the potential consequences of printing more money or further increasing the national debt.

During his remarks, Dr. Paul also addressed claims that the American people cannot understand the complexities of the bill. He vehemently disagreed, stating, "I think every one of my acquaintances and friends and people I run into Kentucky have every much as ability, if not more ability, than the people in this room to make a decision on this." He emphasized that the people he interacts with prioritize defending America's borders over supporting foreign aid.

Dr. Paul concluded his remarks by predicting that the fight against this bill is not over. He expressed confidence that the House of Representatives would not take up the bill and that the majority of Republicans in the House are more conservative than those in the Senate. He also highlighted that the Speaker of the House has spoken out against the bill and has no intention of bringing it up for consideration.

In his unwavering opposition to the foreign aid spending bill, Dr. Paul made it clear that he believes in putting America first. He stated, "I will be a no and continue to be a no on this bill because I think it puts Ukraine first and America last."

The debate on the foreign aid spending bill continues, and it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved. However, Dr. Paul's impassioned remarks have shed light on the concerns surrounding the bill and have ignited further discussion on the prioritization of America's interests.