As Congress stews over the impending shutdown of the federal government at the end of the fiscal year on September 30, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) stands as a beacon of conservative rationality. The Kentucky firebrand announced his staunch opposition to any short-term spending package that rolls in additional funding for Ukraine’s war effort this week.
Congressional leaders are laboring over another in the series of “continuing resolutions” used in recent years to avoid traditional budgeting processes. Contentious debates have arisen over the inclusion of an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine, urgently requested by Joe Biden.
I rise to put the leadership of the House, the Senate, and the President of the United States on notice. I will not consent to any expedited passage of any spending bill that provides any more American aid to Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/reizg1xnrN
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) September 20, 2023
“Today I’m putting congressional leadership & @POTUS on notice that I will oppose any effort to hold the federal government hostage for Ukraine funding,” stated Paul on X, formerly known as Twitter. This comes as the federal government has already allocated a staggering $113 billion in aid to Ukraine, averaging $6.8 billion per month, or $223 million per day, emphasizing the significant financial burden on American taxpayers.
Rand Paul finally SNAPS on Ukraine approved narrative:
"Ukraine banned the political parties, they’ve invaded churches, they’ve arrested priests, so no, it isn’t a democracy, it’s a corrupt regime."
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 21, 2023
Paul raises a pertinent question: “Can someone explain what victory in Ukraine looks like?” expressing the uncertainty and lack of clear strategy surrounding the Ukraine situation. He pointed out the deficiency in clarity from the Biden administration on the objectives of the war and how Ukraine’s anticipated counteroffensive has yet to secure significant ground.
Paul’s stance reverberates with the sentiments of many Americans, as depicted by a CNN poll from August showcasing the majority’s opposition to Congress sanctioning more funding to Ukraine. He argues that the federal government should prioritize addressing the multifaceted challenges within our borders before diverting funds to external conflicts.
He also pointed to the widespread corruption within Ukraine, calling out the attempts to add the aid to the continuing resolution as a “clear dereliction of duty,” refusing to allow the government to be held hostage to foreign aid requests. He emphasized the duty of representatives to stand for the American people and focus on funding the domestic government rather than external entities.
Paul’s perspective directly conflicts with establishment Republican leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who have supported amplifying aid to Ukraine. McCarthy has said he prefers a standalone bill for such assistance rather than merging it with domestic funding legislation.
Sen. Rand Paul Says "No Way" To More Ukraine Aid … Vows To Block Any Fast-Track
Watch the whole show here: https://t.co/xAcM5c9eqk pic.twitter.com/tM8z15mTM9
— Ron Paul (@RonPaul) September 20, 2023
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) claims to support a bipartisan approach to the continuing resolution but has been critical of House Republicans for proposing a resolution that omitted Ukraine and disaster relief funding.
Paul’s pursuit of transparent and sensible policies underscores a crucial dialogue about national priorities and fiscal discipline. It is a reminder of the dire need for principled leadership in navigating the labyrinth of national governance and international commitments. The quest continues for a balanced resolution that addresses the crucial needs of the nation while ensuring the responsible utilization of taxpayer funds.
