Sen. Rand Paul releases statement on PATRIOT Act

[jct74]

Press release from Rand's official US Senate website:

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WASHINGTON, D.C. –On Tuesday, Feb. 8, the House attempted to once again pass a renewal of provisions of the PATRIOT Act, some of whose original provisions have been found unconstitutional. These provisions up for renewal empower the federal government to violate the Fourth Amendment rights of our citizens. In a statement today, Sen. Rand Paul offered his opinion of the PATRIOT Act and how he will address it if it comes to the Senate.

“Last night, there was little debate, no committee hearings held, no amendments allowed, and no examination of whether our government had lived up to its responsibility to protect the liberty of the people. I commend the House for rejecting the renewal of the PATRIOT Act on these grounds,” Sen. Paul said.

“The fight will continue in the House over the next week. It is likely that even with this temporary victory, the House will pass these extensions and send the PATRIOT Act renewal to the Senate. And when they do, I will oppose it,” he continued.

“I do not say that lightly. I firmly believe it is a primary duty of our government to do what it can to protect the lives of its citizens. But I also believe it must in equal measure protect our liberty, and in this our government has failed us. We should remember the words of Ben Franklin, who famously said ‘Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.’”

“It is time for Congress to stop quietly extending this law and avoiding a serious discussion about protecting all the rights of all Americans. I will insist the Senate allow debate and amendments as we consider this important legislation,” he concluded.


http://paul.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=331014&

[sailingaway]

OK. I officially love this man.

[freshjiva]

Wow. Rand Paul really IS his father's son. I am sorry I doubted him before.

That being said, I'm excited to see what Rand can do in the Senate over the next several years. I'm quickly realizing he is equally consistent in his pro-liberty perspective as his father, but a far more calculated politician and a smooth debater. Just look at neocons like Mark Levin -- why is it that he supports Rand but not Ron?

[Sola_Fide]

Rand has taken the Revolution to the Senate.

If I see one more "Rand has yet to prove himself" threads, I am going to go ballistic.

[Dr.3D]

Rand has taken the Revolution to the Senate.

If I see one more "Rand has yet to prove himself" threads, I am going to go ballistic.

This!

[specsaregood]

If I see one more "Rand has yet to prove himself" threads, I am going to go ballistic.

Well technically he hasn't voted against it yet.
*ducks*

[sailingaway]

Well technically he hasn't voted against it yet.
*ducks*

'force a debate' suggests a stay.

I am sorry he is only looking for amendments, though, only because while his amendments are readable, that doesn't apply to the rest of the Senate, and I wouldn't want to find out what was in it after it passed....

[Sola_Fide]

Well technically he hasn't voted against it yet.
*ducks*

Right, but he said:

The fight will continue in the House over the next week. It is likely that even with this temporary victory, the House will pass these extensions and send the PATRIOT Act renewal to the Senate. And when they do, I will oppose it,” he continued.

And the unusual thing about Rand is, unlike most every other politician, you can actually believe he is going to do what he says he is going to do.

[Nate-ForLiberty]

Well technically he hasn't voted against it yet.
*ducks*

[Sola_Fide]

[hazek]

Can he filibuster the bill?

[Brett85]

Can he filibuster the bill?

Yes, but a filibuster can be overcome with 60 votes.

[Valli6]

[sailingaway]

I like what he is wearing, the picture behind him.....

I am very happy with him, altogether, at this moment.....

[PermanentSleep]

I like what he is wearing, the picture behind him.....

I am very happy with him, altogether, at this moment.....

Same here! For the first time in my life I'm getting what I voted for in DC!

[low preference guy]

great speech. hope it goes viral. it deserves its own thread.

[sailingaway]

Twitter is absolutely ALIVE with this... http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&so...mode_link&ct=m

[Zap!]

Yes, but a filibuster can be overcome with 60 votes.

We may not get 10 votes to repeal. Hope I'm wrong.

[sailingaway]

We may not get 10 votes to repeal. Hope I'm wrong.

The more targets for the next election. THIS I can fight Feinstein with....

[Brett85]

We may not get 10 votes to repeal. Hope I'm wrong.

Yeah, I agree. The Senate is generally more statist than the house. I'm guessing that only 2 Republicans in the Senate will vote against it.

[Inkblots]

Ladies and gentleman, I give you a statesman. Now if only there were any true statesmen in Congress not surnamed "Paul"!

[Bergie Bergeron]

There's one named Amash but that's about it