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Post by ClayLive on Jun 3, 2011 19:15:34 GMT -5
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Post by Press Release on Jun 6, 2011 15:54:43 GMT -5
Sen. Paul Statement on Libya Action Senator Rand Paul Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on President Barack Obama to explain to the American people his decision to engage the U.S. military in the ongoing NATO mission in Libya without Congressional authority. On March 18, Sen. Rand Paul and five Senate colleagues sent a letter to President Obama outlining the actions taken by the President pursuant to the War Powers Act and questioning whether he would comply with the requirements to terminate use of U.S. armed forces in Libya within the statutory 60-day period, which expired Friday, May 20. This request has yet received a response. Repeated calls for the President to explain his decision to ignore the Constitution and continue to commit our military without Congressional approval have gone unanswered. "As days turn into weeks and months, Americans are left wondering why their president refuses to answer the collective calls concerning the use of U.S. armed forces in Libya," Sen. Paul said today. "The House of Representatives' recent bipartisan resolution serves as another reminder of this - and it is long overdue that the Senate should take up the issue as well. Issuing a strong message to the President underlining his necessity to answer to the Legislative Branch - and the nation it represents - is the least we can do. If the president chooses to ignore his responsibility to the American people, it is our duty to enforce accountability."
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Post by Press Release on Jul 8, 2011 20:32:57 GMT -5
Cut-Cap-Balance Act to Defeat Debt Crisis Senator Rand Paul Press Release
Senator Rand PaulWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Sen. Rand Paul and many of his Senate Republican colleagues who called for the Senate to come back to session this week, held a press conference where Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) unveiled a proposal for dealing with the debt crisis - the Cut-Cap-Balance Act. Sen. Paul, an original co-sponsor of the Cut-Cap-Balance Act, issued the following statement. "Last week I joined my fellow concerned Republican Senators and demanded the Senate stay in session to work on solutions to the debt crisis. Instead, the Senate Democrat leadership offered unrelated legislation, wasted precious time, and declared no more votes for the remainder of the week." "As opposed to those not serious about dealing with the debt, my GOP colleagues and I worked through recess and now have a real plan to end this precipitous spending. "The Cut-Cap-Balance Act would increase the debt ceiling, but only upon passage of spending cuts, a structural cap on spending, and a balanced budget amendment. The Cut-Cap-Balance Act would restore trust in the American people that their Congress can balance a budget and return our nation on the path to prosperity."
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Post by Press Release on Aug 1, 2011 20:47:43 GMT -5
Vice President Calls Tea Party ‘terrorists’ Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On the eve of pushing through an agreement on the debt ceiling, Vice President Joe Biden called the Tea Party "terrorists," which is laughable considering the current Administration is holding our economy hostage. Sen. Rand Paul responded to these distasteful remarks with the following statement: "With the President holding the American economy hostage, I would prefer to think of myself as a Freedom Fighter. The only people taking hostages around here are those who want to continue our path toward economic ruin. Spending has gone up over 25 percent in the Obama/Biden Administration. Our national debt will have doubled in their first term. And even the so-called debt reduction deals they are reluctantly supporting now don't cut debt at all - in fact they add $7 trillion in new debt over the next 10 years.
"The Tea Party is fighting for a Balanced Budget Amendment and an end to our out-of-control spending and debt. These are goals supported by over 75 percent of the American people. It is insulting to these same American people to both have their voices unheard, and then to have those representing their goals in Washington attacked in such a manner."
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Post by Press Release on Aug 2, 2011 18:57:18 GMT -5
Paul says no to Washington's continued spending spree Debt limit bill to add 7 trillion to debtWASHINGTON, D.C. - Following today's Senate passage of the debt ceiling bill, Sen. Rand Paul offered the following statement: "I voted in opposition to this bill because it doesn't do enough to provide a stable solution to our nation's debt crisis. It never balances, and it will add at least $7 trillion in NEW debt on top of our current 14 trillion. This is not sustainable.
"The President called for a "balanced approach." But the American people are calling for a balanced budget. This deal does nothing to fix the overreaches of both parties over the past few years: Obamacare, TARP, trillion-dollar wars, runaway entitlement spending. They are all cemented into place with this deal, and their legacy will be trillions of dollars in new debt.
"Americans deserve more from their government than a weak compromise that doesn't actually cut spending and they deserve better leadership from their President. I will continue to fight every day for fiscal sanity and a solution to our debt crisis"
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Post by Press Release on Aug 8, 2011 19:37:47 GMT -5
Blame the Tea Party crowd: Like blaming the fire department for fires Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul today issued a statement regarding the current mud-slinging and finger-pointing toward the Tea Party for the U.S. credit downgrade. "Blaming the Tea Party for America's debt crisis and downgrade is like blaming the fireman for fires. "The Tea Party has been fighting for a serious solution that would rescue our finances through immediate spending cuts, spending caps and most importantly, a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. With the support of the Tea Party, I offered the only solution that could have prevented our downgrade with our Cut, Cap and Balance plan. "While Democrats would like to lay blame on the Tea Party for the current economic failure, it is their President who has failed in leadership, failed to lower unemployment, failed to rescue our economy, failed to prevent a downgrade of our debt, and failed to control spending."
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Post by Press Release on Aug 10, 2011 16:32:20 GMT -5
Senator Paul to Seek Vote of No Confidence in Treasury Secretary Geithner Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseTreasury Secretary Timothy Geithner
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul today announced his intention to introduce in the U.S. Senate a vote of no confidence in Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Following Sen. Paul's call for Secretary Geithner to resign this weekend, his intention to introduce a resolution underlines Secretary Geithner's gross mismanagement of the U.S. economy. "The stock market gave a vote of no confidence to Timothy Geithner yesterday and for the past 11 days. Geithner has shown no acumen in predicting, diagnosing, or treating America's economic woes. The time has come for him to resign," Sen. Paul said. Sen. Paul's motion stems from Secretary Geithner's failure to institute policies to curb rising unemployment, prices and debt. The passage of the motion would indicate that the U.S. Congress has no confidence that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will institute policies that will reverse the downgrade in America's debt. During his tenure at the Federal Reserve and as Treasury Secretary, Secretary Geithner had a direct role in the failure of the Fed to diagnose and act on the housing crisis. He presided over bank bailouts, auto bailouts and failed trillion-dollar stimulus plans.
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Post by Press Release on Aug 22, 2011 12:56:43 GMT -5
Sen. Paul Recognizes Coal Miners’ Appreciation Week Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseWASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul issued the following statement recognizing Coal Miners' Appreciation Week: "Coal is a vital sector of Kentucky's economy. More than 200,000 jobs in the commonwealth depend on it, including the jobs of about 18,000 coal miners. America's coal miners produce the fuel for nearly half our nation's electricity needs.
"Yet, the out-of-control EPA has waged a war on coal and the families whose livelihoods depend upon it. Washington's bureaucratic regulations and excessive taxation have sought to limit our energy choices and kill even more jobs during this recession.
"As a defender of the free market and of coal, I will continue to fight back against the EPA and any other federal agency whose goal is to stifle coal production. I will continue to stand up for our miners in Washington as we continue to recognize the sacrifices they make to provide food for their families and energy for America."
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Post by Press Release on Aug 31, 2011 19:11:50 GMT -5
Sen. Paul Responds to President Obama’s Nomination of extreme government interventionist Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseTim Geithner - Alan Krueger
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, President Obama nominated Princeton labor economist Alan Krueger to become the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Sen. Rand Paul issued the following statement in response: "Alan Krueger is nothing more than an extreme government interventionist, cut from the same cloth as those who have failed to correctly predict, diagnose, and manage our economic problem.
"During his tenure at the Treasury Department, Alan Krueger helped design the 'cash for clunkers' program and even supported a European style value-added tax that would raise prices on American families.
"This repetition of bad economic decisions by the President and his advisers could be described as the epitome of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result each time. Hasn't the President realized we don't need more big-government Keynesians in Washington saddling the American taxpayer with trillions in debt?
"The President's economic policies have been an abysmal failure. His economic advisers have helped lead to these failures.
"I have called for Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner to resign, and I am now calling on Alan Krueger to step down before he even begins his new role, before any more damage can be done to the American economy by this Administration."
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Post by Press Release on Sept 22, 2011 18:46:18 GMT -5
Paul wants to fix bridge with funds earmarked for scenic beautification and transportation museums Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Sen. Rand Paul traveled to Northern Kentucky with President Obama to discuss with him a plan to fix our nation's crumbling infrastructure. Before the President spoke just steps from the Brent Spence Bridge, Sen. Rand Paul unveiled to him the Emergency Transportation Safety Fund Act of 2011. "While we are faced with a fiscal crisis, our nation also has critical infrastructure needs that demand immediate attention. The Emergency Transportation Safety Fund Act is a fiscally responsible approach to dealing with a matter of high priority," Sen. Paul said. "This bill closes the gap in federal highway planning and funding without increasing spending and without any earmarks. We can finally fix our broken roads and bridges by freeing up funding that is used for optional projects such as scenic beautification and transportation museums," he continued. "This plan provides the necessary resources for emergency repairs and will not only save our infrastructure from collapsing but also keep our budgets from expanding."
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Post by Press Release on Sept 24, 2011 19:38:54 GMT -5
Sen. Paul Presents Alternative Infrastructure Plan Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week Sen. Rand Paul addressed the issue of our nation's emergency infrastructure needs, urged action from Administration officials, and offered a solution to this critical problem. On Thursday, he accepted President Obama's invitation to travel with him and brief him on his plan to fix our nation's crumbling infrastructure. And today, Sen. Paul visited the Sherman-Minton Bridge in Louisville, Ky. Leading a group of Administration officials including U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez and local officials. Sen. Paul's plan creates an emergency bridge fund. This fund will use money previously set aside for unnecessary projects like turtle tunnels, squirrel sanctuaries, and flower beds. It will also direct the Highway Funds Administrator to develop a national priority list for infrastructure emergencies and disburse the money based on critical needs. "I've talked with the President. I've talked with Sec. LaHood. The problem our nation's infrastructure faces is very real - and needs immediate attention. But the solution to this shouldn't create more problems, like increased debt. I am advocating for our needs as Kentuckians and Americans and pairing them with smart cuts in other less important funding areas. This approach can succeed on a bipartisan basis,."
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Post by Press Release on Oct 4, 2011 16:50:03 GMT -5
Emergency Transportation Safety Fund Act Introduced Today Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) introduced, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) co-sponsored, legislation to fund critical infrastructure projects. Rep. Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The bill will make funding a priority to emergency infrastructure projects by transferring the funding that is currently dedicated to beautification projects. "With an ever-expanding national debt and an increasing number of infrastructure projects nearing crisis level, the best solution to address both is to spend money we already have and put it to better use. By offsetting the cost of these emergency projects with funds previously used for turtle tunnels and squirrel sanctuaries, we are making infrastructure emergencies a priority without compromising our financial stability any further," Sen. Paul said. "This legislation is an innovative way to address our transportation infrastructure in Kentucky, and could enable us to repair our bridges and roads without adding to our deficit," Leader McConnell said. "Kentuckians are tired of financing every turtle tunnel and solar panel company, and not using the funds to repair our bridges and roads. This legislation seeks to change that, and I applaud my fellow Kentuckian for taking the lead on it." "This legislation is a common sense solution that provides emergency funding for bridge repairs and upgrades without increasing our debt," Sen. Coats said. "Meeting our nation's most pressing infrastructure needs is important for economic growth and the safety of commuters. I am proud to stand with Senator Paul to address these vital needs without increasing taxes or adding to the national debt." "While we're fortunate that the Sherman Minton Bridge repairs will be easier than originally expected, the situation highlighted some deficiencies in our transportation funding system. This legislation will help us begin to address those deficiencies, and I'm glad to introduce the House version of the bill," Rep. Young said. "I realize that not all repair projects will end up with a similar easy answer, but the funding solution in those more difficult cases should be quicker and simpler than it is today. To that end, I look forward to working with House leadership, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Indiana Department of Transportation to improve our current transportation funding system."
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Post by Press Release on Oct 13, 2011 18:55:20 GMT -5
Paul, McConnell offer Republican plan to create millions of American jobs Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul today unveiled a Republican jobs plan with Sens. John McCain (Ariz.) and Rob Portman (Ohio) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.). The Republican jobs plan takes a different approach, trying to remove the government-imposed obstacles to job creation this Administration has imposed. The Jobs Through Growth Act begins with tax reform, producing a plan that will lower both the corporate tax rate and the top income tax rate to 25 percent. It will simplify the codes, eliminate subsidies and close loopholes, and the result will be a simpler, fairer and better tax system for individuals, small business, and corporations. It includes a moratorium on new regulations, and also a new process for Congressional approval of regulations through the REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny). The plan repeals burdensome regulations like greenhouse gas emissions and farm dust requirements. It has been estimated that overregulation costs business in excess of a trillion dollars per year to comply. These dollars and efforts should instead be focused on increased competitiveness and job creation. Our energy needs and jobs are also being blocked through excessive regulations and onerous permitting process. In this bill, Republicans will stand up for more jobs, lower energy costs and increased revenue to state and federal governments by allowing more mining, drilling and production. In all, credible estimates indicate we could see in excess of millions new jobs from passage of this bill: all without new government spending. In fact, this plan also puts us on a path toward fiscal responsibility through a presidential rescissions bill and a Balanced Budget Amendment. Because of the inclusion, this Republican jobs plan will not only create jobs, it will be deficit neutral. The entire plan will not add one penny to the federal debt, while creating 5 million new jobs. Passage of this plan would unleash a decade of increased growth, and a new path forward for our struggling economy. "The President's jobs plan was voted down this week by members of both parties. We simply cannot look to the failed policies of the last two years for an example of how to grow our economy and create jobs. More government spending and excessive regulation are the problem not the solution. We have spent too long increasing the tax and regulatory burdens on job creators, instead of allowing them to operate more freely and create more jobs," Sen. Paul said. "While President Obama continues to recycle the same failed economic policies that have brought Americans fewer jobs and more debt, Republicans have consistently focused on solutions that will create sustainable private sector jobs that won't disappear when the federal cash spigot runs dry. Sens. McCain, Paul and Portman's Jobs Through Growth Act stands in stark contrast to the tired tax and spend plans put forward by this Administration in that it will take the wet blanket of the federal government off the private sector and allow American entrepreneurs to expand and create jobs," Leader McConnell said. "This is a pro-growth proposal to create the environment for jobs that stands in contrast to the short term sweetener approach of the Obama administration, an approach that simply hasn't worked," Sen. Portman said. "We need to address this problem in a way that actually puts people back to work by solving some of the structural problems in our economy. That means we need to reform our tax code, provide regulatory relief to our small businesses and do something to ensure that job creators have an incentive to invest and grow jobs. This proposal, if enacted on a bipartisan basis, will help our economy get back on its feet." "We Republicans understand that it's a growing, dynamic private sector that creates quality jobs for the long term and real prosperity in America, not government spending," Sen. McCain said. "The Jobs Through Growth Act will help give the certainty and confidence that our private sector so badly needs to invest, grow, and create jobs again. By cutting taxes, reforming our broken tax code, reducing spending and getting the burden of overregulation off America's back we can get our economy moving again."
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Post by Press Release on Oct 20, 2011 16:17:14 GMT -5
Paul Floor Speech Calling for Sunlight on NCLB "I've yet to meet one teacher who's in favor of No Child Left Behind" Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Below is a transcript of Sen. Paul's floor speech regarding the No Child Left Behind/Elementary and Secondary Education Act mark-up. Reserving the right to object, I find it a tragedy that we are operating here in the Senate by introducing an 868-page bill with 48 hours to read it; approximately 1,000 pages worth of amendments to this bill with virtually no time to read or think about the amendments. I think it's precisely what's wrong with this body that we would try to rush things through. I've been here since January and there have been no hearings on No Child Left Behind. I have had no hearings that involve teachers, no hearings that involve superintendents, no hearings that involve principals. I think this is an affront to the process. As I go around my state and I talk to teachers, I've yet to meet one teacher who's in favor of No Child Left Behind. They abhor it. They hate all the stuff we are telling them what to do from Washington. They want more local control. I'm one of the old-fashioned conservatives who does believe that schools are and should be under local and state control. There's no provision in the constitution for the federal government to be involved period. This was part of the Republican platform for nearly 30 years that we didn't believe in federal control. We wanted to leave local control. I met with six teachers recently from Adair County. Many of them are special ed teachers. They like what they do. They like teaching kids who have difficulty learning and have to be fought in a different fashion in order to get through to these kids; but they showed me a cute little boy, 15 years old, who has a three-word vocabulary. He's tested in world geography and the teacher is told that she's a bad teacher because the child, who has a three-world vocabulary, did poorly on testing. This is insane, and it needs to be discussed in a rational fashion. We need to have teachers involved in the process, for goodness's sakes, principals, super-intendants. I have a letter here from the American Association of School Administrators, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Education Association, the National School Boards Association, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and they say "we hope that in getting this important work of getting policy right we will not be pushed to the side in a race against the clock." I feel pushed aside. 868-page bill and 48 hours to read it. It is wrong. All I am asking for is a hearing to listen to teachers. Should we not listen to the teachers? A hearing to listen to the superintendents. A hearing to listen to the principals. Let them read the bill and find out what's in the bill. I am not going to accept what Nancy Pelosi said you can read about it after the fact. That's the process here. 868 pages? When are we going to read it? After they pass it. Who's been involved in crafting this legislation? I'm on the committee. Nobody asked me, nobody consulted with me, and I think that's the same with most of the people on the committee. The letter from this group also says, we note that the proposed law is still heavily reliant on the idea of testing every child, every year through one single high-stakes assessment. There are many problems. I would be in favor of getting rid of No Child Left Behind. No teachers are for it. I'd like to see a survey of teachers. I would like it have the teachers do a survey of their population that says, who's in favor of "No Child Left Behind" before we act? I would like teachers to propose amendments to my office to fix "no child left behind" if we're not going to scrap it. I would like to hear from the superintendents. What do you think of this 868-page bill we got yesterday or on Monday? What do you think of this bill and how can we make it better? We will not have time to hear from them because we're struggling to get through the 868 pages and another 1,000 pages of amendments. This process is rotten from the top to the bottom, and what I would ask for is that we have a hearing. Let's invite teachers to Washington, let's invite superintendents, let's invite principals to Washington. Let's find out what they think of No Child Left Behind before we rush through an 868-page bill that no one has had time to read. This is what's wrong with Washington. This is the type of arrogance about the way Washington works that is really making us unpopular in the public's eyes. I say fix "No Child Left Behind" repeal it or fix it, but at least give us time read the bill. And I object to this unanimous consent.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 22, 2011 6:33:03 GMT -5
Sen. Paul Secures Hearing on NCLB Amendment Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In response to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee giving members merely 48 hours to read and discuss the 868-page No Child Left Behind/Elementary and Secondary Education Act amendment bill, Sen. Rand Paul filed 74 amendments of his own and immediately insisted the committee first read the bill, find out what is in the bill, and hear from those it would most affect. Today, the HELP Committee, following Sen. Paul's legislative action, held a markup session to discuss the amendments proposed and ways forward. Members discussed the bill and at Sen. Paul's urging, scheduled a new hearing to be held Nov. 8. Sen. Paul then forced a vote in committee to repeal No Child Left Behind in its entirety, to which only Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) concurred. Sen. Paul issued this statement following the markup: "Today's news of the hearing offers an opportunity for teachers, superintendents, parents, and students across the country. The HELP Committee will hold a hearing where these groups will be involved in the process to fix No Child Left Behind and offer their opinions on the pending legislation.
"I've been here nearly a year and until my urging, there have been no hearings on No Child Left Behind. I have seen no hearings that involved those most affected by this legislation and I think this is an affront to the process.
"I have sought the input of many teachers and education groups and they shared both a similar concern and position. They would like to be involved in an open political process. They also weren't in favor of No Child Left Behind. In fact, they wanted more local control. But, I'd like to hear from as many teachers, administrators, and parents as possible, which is why I am asking them to contact my office and share their opinion on No Child Left Behind before the next hearing."
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Post by Press Release on Nov 1, 2011 16:59:31 GMT -5
Senate democrats say no to Kentucky bridges, yes to turtle tunnels Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This morning, the U.S. Senate voted on an amendment to the FY2012 Appropriations bill offered by Sen. Rand Paul that would fund construction efforts on our nation's most high-priority infrastructure needs without adding to our national debt. Offsetting the cost of these projects by eliminating transportation enhancement funds used for beautification projects - such as movie theaters, squirrel sanctuaries, turtle tunnels and flower beds - will create nearly $700 million for the Highway Bridge Program. The amendment failed, 38-60. "With nearly 25 percent of our nation's bridges deemed either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, we need to make their reconstruction a priority over errant beautification projects," Sen. Paul said. "My home state of Kentucky has two major arteries in need of immediate repair - one bridge has been shut down, the other in desperate need of repair - and thousands more across the country face the same conditions. I am disappointed my colleagues failed to see this as a priority, affecting our entire nation's infrastructure and commerce through transportation, and were unable to address this issue without adding to our ever-expanding national debt."
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Post by Press Release on Nov 10, 2011 17:45:15 GMT -5
Senate Democrats vote to continue EPA attack on the American Economy Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Sen. Rand Paul invoked the privilege of the Congressional Review Act to force the Senate to vote on an unnecessary and overreaching rule from the Environmental Protection Agency. The resolution of disapproval was defeated 41-56. "The Obama Administration's regulatory power grab is costing Americans - and the EPA's overzealous job-killing approach to environmental protection is too. I am pro-clean air. I am pro-clean water. I am pro-jobs. Repealing this rule would have afforded us all three of those things," Sen. Paul said after the vote.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 10, 2011 18:04:48 GMT -5
Senate Democrats say NO to Jobs Plan Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate voted on the Jobs Through Growth Act, introduced last month by Sens. Rand Paul, John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio). It was defeated 40-56. "Massive government spending, higher taxes, and hundreds of costly regulations have stagnated our economy. Rather than creating much-needed jobs here in America, the President and Senate Democrats proposed more taxes, more deficits, more debt, and more record spending," Sen. Paul said following the vote.
"It has been an abysmal failure in moving our country forward. That is why I urged my Senate colleagues to support an alternative solution called the Jobs Through Growth Act. This proposal would create much needed jobs, without adding one penny to the federal debt. Passage of this plan would unleash a decade of increased growth, and a new path forward for our struggling economy."
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Post by Press Release on Dec 23, 2011 10:17:26 GMT -5
New Obama EPA regulation to cost up to $10 Billion and eliminate up to 53,000 jobs Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseWASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul released the following statement regarding the EPA's first limits on mercury pollution from coal-fired plants, otherwise known as Utility MACT (maximum achievable control technology). "While mercury exposure is and should be taken seriously for existing regulations, the current impact of mercury emissions from U.S. sources is vastly overstated," Sen. Paul said. "This is one of the most expensive rules in the history of the EPA, costing at least $10 billion and tens of thousands of jobs in the utility and mining sectors. Mercury emissions should be controlled - but in a way that balances thoughtful science with economic realities and our energy needs. This rule does not reflect this balance and should be repealed."
More on Utility MACT:
On March 16, 2011, the EPA issued a 946-page proposed rule to establish maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards to control mercury emissions from coal and oil fired power plants. The rule includes an extremely strict requirement that all existing power plants must equal the average performance of the top 12 percent of power plants - and new plants must meet an even more stringent standard. There are reasons to examine this rule with skepticism. At least 30 percent of the mercury that is in the U.S. comes from other countries, and more than 80 percent of mercury-laden seafood is from foreign countries. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that less than 5 percent of the 2,500 tons of mercury released each year comes from the United States. Jeff Holstead, a former EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, notes that "[E]ven if you could eliminate all the mercury emissions in the U.S. completely, from every source of mercury pollution, you would have almost no impact on people's exposure." EPA admits that this proposal will cost at least $10 billion, making it one of the most expensive rules in the history of the agency. A 2005 analysis by the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that, depending on the availability of technologies capable of meeting the rule's requirements, resource costs could be as high as $261 to $358 billion. The National Mining Association warns that Utility MACT could shutter 28 to 62 percent of coal fired plants and cause 12,800 to 53,000 job losses in the utility and mining sectors.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 13, 2012 19:34:35 GMT -5
Paul returnes $500,000 to the United States Treasury Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
Sen. Rand Paul announced that he is returning $500,000 to the United States Treasury - money unspent from his official operating budget. The total amount being returned is more than 16 percent of Paul's original office budget. As far as is known, no U.S. Senator has returned as much to taxpayers. "I ran to stop the reckless spending," said Paul. "And I ran to end the damaging process of elected officials acting as errand boys, competing to see who could bring back the biggest check and the most amount of pork." At a press conference in Louisville, Paul presented taxpayers with an "over-sized check" for $500,000, representing the money being returned to the Treasury. "I hope this sets an example for the rest of government - at all levels," said Paul. "We can carry out our duties in a fiscally responsible way. Government can be both smart and efficient. We are proving that - and trying to convince the rest of Washington." Paul achieved the savings while also having the most active office for a freshman in the U.S. Senate. In his first year, he introduced more legislation and amendments than any other freshman legislator, often teaming-up with fellow Senators to support legislation. Paul has offered spending cut amendments to nearly every bill. And he has stood up for Kentucky, offering bills in support of the Commonwealth's bridges and ports, and working to stop the Environmental Protection Agency's war on coal. Paul's office was one of only three in Washington to produce an entire fiscal blueprint for the federal government, a promise he made while campaigning in 2010. His plan, introduced in the first few weeks of his term, would balance the federal budget in five years. Paul also kept his promise to work to reform Social Security. His proposal, introduced with Sens. Lindsey Graham and Mike Lee, would fix the entire system for 75 years. Later this month, Sen. Paul will introduce a plan to save Medicare.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 18, 2012 20:36:41 GMT -5
Sen. Rand Paul Opposes and Will Filibuster PIPA Legislation Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - For the past several months, Sen. Rand Paul has opposed and led the charge against both the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). Today, Sen. Paul issued the following statement. "The Internet, as we know it, has had a profound impact on job creation, the global economy and prosperity. It has accelerated wealth creation and facilitated a more connected world. But the Internet's development is based on the free flow of information, innovation, and ideas, not central government control," Sen. Paul said. "Both PIPA and SOPA give the federal government unprecedented and unconstitutional power to censor the Internet. These bills enable the government to shut down websites that it deems guilty of violating copyright laws. While we support copyright protections, we are also concerned about websites being shut down without their day in court, and making innocent third parties bear the costs of solving someone else's problems." Sen. Paul concluded, "I will not sit idly by while PIPA and SOPA eliminate the constitutionally protected rights to due process and free speech. For these reasons, I have pledged to oppose, filibuster and do everything in my power to stop government censorship of the Internet."
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Post by Press Release on Jan 24, 2012 21:29:33 GMT -5
TSA forces Paul to miss 2012 March for Life Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, Sen. Rand Paul was scheduled to speak at the 2012 March for Life on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., but was improperly detained by the TSA and forced to miss the event. However, after the rally, Sen. Paul hosted a reception welcoming marchers from Kentucky and those across the country. Below are the remarks Sen. Paul would have delivered at the 2012 March for Life. "The question remains, can a nation long endure or can a civilization long endure that does not respect Life? Our Liberty comes from our Creator and our freedoms depend upon a respect for Life.
In order to protect the unborn from the very moment life begins, I introduced the Life at Conception Act during my first year in the Senate. I have also cosponsored several other pro-life bills including the Life at Conception Act, the Protect Life Act, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.
I also strongly support a Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would confirm in law that an unborn child is a person entitled to the right to life and support legislation that would restrict federal courts from hearing cases involving abortion. State governments must be allowed to implement laws that protect life.
It is the government's duty to protect life, liberty, and property, but primarily and most importantly, a government must protect life. Today, tragically our nation wavers; our moral compass is adrift. Today, I worry about our nation's future. Together a brighter tomorrow is possible if we join hands to restore our nation's virtue.
To respect life and to listen to the voice of God that lives and breathes and beckons and yearns for our attention. When America remembers and restores her respect for life, when America refinds her moral bearings then we will thrive again, then we will find our way.
I will never give up fighting for the lives of our unborn children. May God bless America."
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Post by Press Release on Jan 25, 2012 17:33:00 GMT -5
Paul Delivers State of the Union Response Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul delivered the following Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address:
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Post by Press Release on Feb 11, 2012 9:05:34 GMT -5
Senator Paul Applauds No Child Left Behind Waiver Grants For Kentucky Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul, in response to the announcement that President Barack Obama granted 10 states, including Kentucky, waivers for No Child Left Behind, released the following statement. "I applaud the President's decision to grant No Child Left Behind waivers to Kentucky and several other states," Sen. Paul said. "The implementation of this federal government takeover of our education system has hurt not helped parents, teachers, administrators, and most importantly, students.
"This waiver decision only serves to highlight the inherent problems with the federal takeover of education, and should remind us all that the best policy would be full repeal, with education decisions going back to the local governments, school administrators and parents. I am hopeful this decision also indicated President Obama has finally realized states would like relief from the burdensome mandates placed on them by the federal government. In that same spirit, I urge him to direct his administration to issue waivers for Obamacare and Dodd-Frank, and to direct out-of-control bureaucrats to cease the EPA's job- crushing war on coal and farms in Kentucky," Sen. Paul concluded.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 17, 2012 17:24:54 GMT -5
Senator Paul Introduces Common Sense to Washington Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul today introduced the Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2012 to bring common sense back to federal water policy. Thousands of property owners across America face aggressive action from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers, with no legal means to fight back. Together, the EPA and the Army Corps have become rogue agencies, threatening the Constitutional rights of landowners to do what they please with their own property. "Environmental protection must be balanced with the fundamental American right to private property. I have spoken with a number of victims of the government's assault on private property, and it is time to rein in the out-of-control government agencies that infringe on these Americans' rights," Sen. Paul said. "It is time to bring common sense to federal water policy, and I do so on behalf of the thousands of property owners across the country who have been met with aggression from the EPA and Army Corps for wetlands issues."
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Post by Press Release on Feb 19, 2012 8:47:13 GMT -5
Sen. Paul Continues to Push for the Elimination of Foreign Aid to Egypt Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Senate voted to limit debate on the 2013 highway bill. In its current form, this bill does not include Sen. Rand Paul's amendment to end U.S. aid to Egypt, unless detained Americans are released. Since Senate Democrats are blocking his ability to have a vote on this amendment, Sen. Paul has subsequently voted against the highway bill and issued the following statement: "Today, once again, the Senate Democrats attempted to railroad debate on the highway bill. Democrat Senate leadership should explain to Americans why protecting foreign aid to Egypt is more important than the welfare of American lives being detained in there."
A vote to invoke cloture on the legislation failed, with a vote of 54-42.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 19, 2012 8:58:48 GMT -5
Sen. Paul Votes to Preserve Social Security Trust Fund Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate this afternoon voted on the Tax Relief and Job Creation Act, or payroll tax cut extension. Traditionally payroll taxes fund much of the Social Security system but this bill would withdraw billions from its trust fund as well as add $90 billion to the national debt and extend unemployment benefits. Sen. Paul issued this statement following the outcome of the vote, which passed 60-36. "Americans want to know if the payroll tax cut extension hurts Social Security and the answer is yes. Social Security is trillions of dollars in debt and teetering on insolvency while this bill only makes matters worst. If the Obama Administration's plan to raid the Social Security trust is allowed to continue, it will surely be the death of a program so many Americans rely upon," Sen. Paul said.
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Post by Press Release on Mar 9, 2012 12:43:01 GMT -5
Republican plan will Balance the Budget in Five Years Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseRand Paul
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul today unveiled his FY2013 budget, "A Platform to Revitalize America," a plan that would balance the budget in five years, significantly reduce spending, and restore fiscal order to Washington. The only budget proposal that balances within the Balanced Budget Amendment window, a measure supported by all 47 Republican Senators, the Platform to Revitalize America is a bold and necessary approach to tackling our ever-increasing debt and wasteful spending. At a press conference in the U.S. Capitol this afternoon, Sen. Paul was joined by co-sponsors Sens. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), where he laid out the details of his plan, which would bring spending below historical average in the very first year. Following the press conference, Sen. Paul issued the following statement. "Americans deserve not only to have the debt reduced, but to have every taxpayer dollar spent more wisely. While Washington continues to spend recklessly and ignore the ever-growing deficit, I am offering a plan that will address this country's looming debt crisis in a truly timely manner - balancing the budget in just five years," Sen. Paul said. "The time has come for a change that will restore fiscal order in this country, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that this happens."
"The biggest problem facing the nation right now is the out-of-control spending and borrowing. The Budget Control Act doesn't address the underlying problems, and it's been well over 1,000 days since Senate Democrats passed a budget. I stand behind anyone who is willing to confront this issue through a serious proposal that will put us on the path toward a balanced budget," Sen. Lee said.
"This balanced budget makes the commonsense decision that we've got to stop spending more than we're bringing in," said Senator DeMint. "Already, what was once considered unthinkable has occurred: the creditworthiness and economic outlook of the United States of America has been downgraded. This is more than a national embarrassment, it's an indication that the world is losing confidence in America's ability to pay our bills and of our government to change course. This budget shows we can stop the debt crisis, improve our economy, expand freedom, and secure the future for our children and grandchildren."
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Post by Press Release on Mar 21, 2012 16:42:44 GMT -5
Supreme Court rules against Obama EPA 9-0 Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Supreme Court of the United States issued its opinion in the case Sackett v. EPA, in a 9-0 decision, providing some measure of relief to those who wish to challenge the heavy-handed enforcement of an out-of-control Environmental Protection Agency. "From this point forward, citizens like the Sacketts will be able to challenge the EPA in court before huge fines and other actions are levied against them," Sen. Paul said. "This sends a resounding message to the Administration that ever-expanding bureaucracy and regulations cannot continue to go unchecked. I will continue to fight to rein in the EPA, and today's decision is heartening that we will succeed." The court did not however take a stand against the larger abuses of the EPA. Rather, in a concurring opinion, Justice Samuel Alito specifically called on Congress to fix the law and clarify the definition of navigable waters, stating that "only clarification of the reach of the Clean Water Act can rectify the underlying problem." Sen. Paul's bill, S. 2122, the Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2012, is the only legislation that would address these concerns and comply with the directions of the court in the Sackett case.
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Post by Press Release on Mar 23, 2012 6:08:59 GMT -5
Why is the Obama EPA sending US tax dollars to China to study pig manure? Senator Rand Paul Press ReleaseWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, (KY-01), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), today introduced legislation that will prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from awarding grants to projects outside of the United States under the Clean Air Act. "It is outrageous how EPA has abused its discretion in allocating funds through these grants," Whitfield said. "At a time when our economy is struggling and Congress faces difficult spending decisions here at home, we cannot afford to spend millions in taxpayer dollars for so-called environmental projects in foreign countries. I just can't understand why we would be sending money to China for a project on swine manure. We need to ensure accountability for taxpayer dollars at every level, and this bill reins in irresponsible spending by the EPA." Sen. Paul said, "At a time when our nation faces an exorbitant and ever-increasing national debt, we must rein in spending and make every taxpayer dollar wisely spent. Sending tens of millions of dollars overseas in grant allocations under the Clean Air Act is irresponsible and another instance of an out-of-control EPA. This bill removes EPA authority to continue to send our taxpayer dollars overseas, while reinstating more accountability here at home." Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has the authority to issue grants to programs and projects around the world. This bill will prohibit the EPA from awarding money to programs or activities that take place outside of the United States. Additionally, this bill will prevent grant applicants in the United States from sub-granting awards from the EPA to activities outside of the United States.
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