Mr. President, reserving the right to object, when we are told that we need to spend billions of dollars on a new program and yet we are unwilling to cut any spending from anywhere else, we should say: Well, aren't there some areas that we could all agree with? So there is an Agency called the National Science Foundation. They have an $8.6 billion budget. About $8.5 billion is spent on crazy stuff. William Proxmire first started talking about the National Science Foundation in the 1970s, when he would give a Golden Fleece Award. One of the first awards was for a project that was $50,000.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+25$2.8M raised
Rand Paul
Senator · Kentucky · Republican
Rand Paul
Audit the Fed · Gun Rights · Border Security · School Choice
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, reserving the right to object, there are 40 trillion reasons why new spending should be offset by cuts elsewhere. We are approaching $40 trillion in debt. The interest is a trillion dollars a year. Interest rates are rising. Likely the biggest threat to our country is our national debt. No one disputes that our veterans deserve to receive the benefits they earned through years of service to our Nation, but we should offset it. There is waste in abundance throughout our budget. There is no reason why we shouldn't cut waste to pay for this.
Biography
A former ophthalmologist, Rand Paul brought a medical professional’s perspective to the U.S. Senate when Kentucky voters elected him in 2010. Senator Paul prioritizes government spending restraint, individual liberties, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. He has authored legislation to audit the Federal Reserve and has served on key committees, including Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Paul is known for his willingness to challenge bipartisan consensus and for his detailed oversight of federal agencies, consistently advocating for transparency and accountability on behalf of his Kentucky constituents.
Education
- M.D., Duke University School of Medicine1988
- Attended, Baylor University
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2011–PresentSenator from Kentucky. 3 terms.
Ophthalmologist
Policy Focus
International Affairs8%
Health7%
Government Operations and Politics6%
Congress4%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Rand Paul's record in Congress.
Criminal Justice Reform
Co-sponsored the Justice for All Reauthorization Act, expanding access to DNA testing for wrongfully convicted individuals.
Government Surveillance Oversight
Led a filibuster against the Patriot Act, raising awareness about government surveillance and privacy rights.
Medical Marijuana Access
Co-introduced the CARERS Act to allow states to set their own medical marijuana policies without federal interference.
Foreign Aid Accountability
Sponsored legislation to restrict foreign aid to countries hostile to the United States or that detain American citizens.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsChairman
- Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
- Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Sen. Rand Paul FAQ
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