Rand Paul Pauses 40 Billion Vote in Senate
(UnitedVoice.com) – Since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the former Soviet bloc country has done something few expected it could. Ukraine has withstood the force of the Russian military and pushed back against its attempt at a land grab. Still, Ukraine can’t fully defend itself against Russia without help from the West. It doesn’t manufacture its own military hardware despite the country’s determination to protect itself from Russia.
Over the last several months, the United States has provided Ukraine with key intelligence that’s proven to be a massive help in defending it from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many consider the Ukrainian conflict a proxy war between the US and Russia. The United States has given Ukraine nearly $4 billion in military aid, including but not limited to weapons systems. Now, Congress wants to provide another $40 billion in assistance. Yet, Thursday, May 12, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) recently paused the bill over deep concerns the spending could further harm the US economy and provides no accountability for how the US government spends the money.
Paul Questions The Bill
Paul was the only member of Congress to buck passage of the nearly $40-billion Ukrainian package quickly. The Epoch Times said the package included $6 billion for Ukrainian military assistance, $8.7 billion to help the US military replenish its military stock, and $3.9 billion for European Command operations. If approved, the total given to Ukraine since February would add up to nearly $54 billion.
In a speech on the Senate floor, Paul challenged the bipartisan legislation. The libertarian-leaning Republican said his oath was to the US Constitution and not a foreign government — no matter how sympathetic he may be to their cause. He added that the total Ukrainian spending over the last several months equaled the total spending by the Russian military.
Additionally, Paul said the US doesn’t have a pile of money lying around. He said the government would add to the deficit by borrowing more from China only to send it to Ukraine. He noted the increasing debt adds to inflation, crippling too many Americans. The Senator warned continuing deficit spending might lead to the dollar’s destruction and cautioned the US could not save Ukraine by killing our own economy.
Still, Paul’s vote against the legislation only delays its passage for a week, and the Senate expects to pass the aid with a vote of at least 99-1.
Paul Wants Accountability for the Money
The Kentucky Senator argued if the Senate is going to pass the deal, there should be accountability for how the government spends the money. Paul asked the Senate to agree to expand the power of the investigator general who currently holds Afghan spending accountable.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) rejected Paul’s proposal outright. Schumer claimed all Paul is doing is delaying the legislation, not stopping it. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) recently stated nothing was more important than stopping Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Standing next to Schumer, he said Ukraine was only asking for the supplies to help defend itself from Russia, and they needed the help now.
So, does Paul have a point about all the spending despite empathy for Ukraine’s situation?
You decide.
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