Rand Paul weekly update
Ending Foreign Aid
This week, I continued my push to keep front and center the issue of stopping U.S taxpayer dollars from going to countries that disrespect us and are clearly not our allies. I wrote an op-ed that appeared in the Washington Times demanding immediate justice from Egypt, Libya, and Pakistan.
Click HERE to read the piece in its entirety.
I also announced my intention to hold up all pending legislation before the Senate in a filibuster until my legislation was brought before the Senate to deliberate and vote.
In addition, I issued a Dear Colleague letter to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, urging them to pass a similar bill as the one I introduced – cutting all foreign aid to any country that fails to secure our embassies, as well as, demanding accountability from the countries of Pakistan, Egypt, and Libya, that were recently involved in the violence directed at our embassies. Click HERE to read full text of the letter.
After months of championing the issue of cutting aid to Pakistan and other actions against the interests of the United States, my filibuster succeeded, and this legislation was voted on late Friday night. The bill did not pass, with a vote of 10 to 81, but I have vowed to keep this important issue front and center when Congress returns.
The time to end the insane practice of bribing foreign countries with hard earned U.S. taxpayer dollars has long been overdue I spoke in depth on the senate floor about the need to reform our foreign policy.
Click HERE or below to watch my floor speech.
My bill, S. 3576, called for a prohibition of U.S. foreign aid to the governments of Egypt, Libya and Pakistan contingent upon the release to U.S. authorities the aggressors who attacked our embassy and consulate in Egypt and Libya, respectively, and the release of Dr. Shakil Afridi, currently held by the Pakistani government. I am pleased that the Senate leadership listened to my pleas for an end to this and have agreed to debate and vote on this pressing issue. Read my entire statement HERE.
Click HERE or below to watch my floor speech after my filibuster succeeded.
Business Coalition for Fair Competition Policy Roundtable
Also this week, I participated in a roundtable discussion with members of the Business Coalition for Fair Competition (BCFC), a national coalition of businesses, associations, taxpayer organizations and think tanks committed to reducing all forms of unfair government created, sponsored and provided competition with the private sector. The topics of discussion ranged from the economy to regulatory reform.
(Pictured with Senator Paul are John Palatiello, BCFC President, and Mitchell Long of GRW, Inc. based in Lexington, Ky., 09/19/12)
Constitution Day
This week, Americans across the country honored and celebrated the 225th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution by our Founding Fathers on Sept.17, 1787. We celebrated the creation of the most brilliant blueprint for a government: “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
I consider the abandonment of the founding principles of enumerated powers, limited government, and separation of powers to be the fundamental cause of the vast ills facing our nation today. The expansion of the federal government beyond its constitutionally granted powers has had many unintended and detrimental consequences. A careful reading of the Constitution demonstrates just how far we have departed from its original intent. Read my entire statement HERE.
Media Wrap-Up
This past week, I appeared on Fox Business’ The Willis Report and CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blizter. I also spoke with several Kentucky radio stations including: WQXE’s Lee Bramlett, WCLU’s Jeannie Waggener, WGTK’s Joe Elliot, WHAS’ Tony Cruise, WRUS’ Don Neagle, and WNOX’S Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas, as well as those across the country.
Have An Issue Or Concern?
If you would like to talk with one of the field staff about local issues that have a federal component, the Bowling Green office (270-782-8303) can refer you to the right staff member.
Stay in Touch with Sen. Paul’s Social Media
You can find updates on what I’m doing by visiting my Senate website, www.paul.senate.govand you can follow my official Twitter account HERE. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE. Don’t forget to become a fan of my official Facebook page for other timely updates.
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