 Dear Friend, You can find my latest update below! Dr. Rand Paul Fights to Secure U.S. Border While Others in Congress Send Billions More Overseas This past week in Washington, we started the week by receiving a 300+ page, $118 billion Border/Ukraine/Israel/Taiwan package that was crafted behind closed doors by Senate Democrats and Republican Leadership. The package, which was dubbed by Republican Leadership as a “border deal,” was released Sunday night to members and expect to be passed by the week’s end. This “border deal” did nothing to secure our border, and passing it into law would have worsened the border crisis. Not only did it allow 1.8 million illegal aliens to enter the U.S. before temporarily closing parts of the border, but it also codified Biden’s catch-and-release policies. And that’s not even the most egregious part, it not only failed to secure our border, but out of the $118 billion spending package, Senate Democrats and Republican Leadership allocated just 16 percent of that to the U.S. border. The rest of the funds, 84 percent or about $98 billion were set to be sent overseas to help defend other nations’ borders. Ukraine, the biggest beneficiary of all, was to receive $60 billion more to fund their war, in addition to $7.85 billion for the lavish salaries of Ukrainian bureaucrats. Thankfully, that bill was killed. On Wednesday afternoon, with the help of several conservative Republicans in the Senate, we were able to stop the fake border bill from being further considered. Our victory was short-lived when, yet again, Senate Democrats and Republican Leadership colluded to put forward their backup plan, which is a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package includes $60 billion for Ukraine – this is on top of the previous $113 billion Congress has given them. It also includes $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which will more than likely end up in the hands of Hamas terrorists. So, while our U.S. borders remain wide open, Senate Democrats, Republican Leadership, and President Biden are gearing up to ship your hard-earned tax dollars overseas without even addressing our needs at home first. It’s a terrible idea to put forward and pass a bill that tries to secure other countries’ borders before we secure our own. We need to address our problems here at home in a real way. This bill sends a message to Americans that their elected officials don’t care about them. As I travel around our Commonwealth, I’ve never met any Kentuckian who says, “fix the border of Ukraine before you fix our border.” Those in Congress, like me will continue to defend the Constitution, protect your tax dollars, and fight against policies that do nothing but hurt you, the American people. You can learn more about my efforts HERE. Dr. Rand Paul Announces 2024 Service Academy Nominations A very rewarding aspect of being a United States Senator is the opportunity to nominate young men and women from across the state to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies. Yesterday, I announced my nominations to the U.S. service academies, consisting of 37 nominations to individuals from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I commend each of these students for their dedication and desire to serve in the United States military, and I wish them the best through the remainder of the selection process. I have no doubt the students chosen will proudly represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the service academies. You can read more about my 2024 Service Academy Nominations HERE, and learn about the Service Academy Nominations process by visiting my website HERE. Dr. Rand Paul Leads Letter to Senate Leadership on Proposed Border Bill Recently, as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, along with Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Josh Hawley (R-MO), all members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). The letter urges that any proposed bill affecting border security should undergo careful consideration by the committees of jurisdiction, which includes HSGAC. In the letter, we stressed the need for all members to be afforded the opportunity to thoroughly review and consider any proposed changes that have significant consequences on our nation’s security, immigration system, and taxpayers. We also requested that the government officials tasked with implementing these proposals testify publicly to enhance transparency and ensure members are fully informed of the potential consequences of these changes prior to consideration on the Senate floor. You can read the full letter to Leader Schumer and Leader McConnell HERE. Waste Report Wrap Up Every Wednesday, I highlight an area of government waste uncovered by my team and me. This past week, I shined a light on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which spent a portion of $12 million in grants to study how methamphetamines impacts the sleeping habits of monkeys. You can read more about the NIH’s meth-head monkeys and other waste that your government spent your hard earned tax dollars on HERE. Tips for Kentuckians U.S. citizens with a marriage certificate issued from Kentucky can now enter their marriage information through the Social Security Administration’s online application to request a “name-change” replacement SSN card, without visiting a field office or card center. The online application is the easiest way to obtain a replacement SSN card. If you are a Kentuckian in need of assistance with the Social Security Administration, or any other federal agency, feel free to contact my State office at (270) 782-8303. My staff looks forward to assisting you on my behalf.Kentucky Disaster Assistance I remain committed to doing all that I can to assist local and state officials as they continue to manage the recovery effort, and my office is standing by to help those who are in need of help with denied FEMA claims, applying for Small Business Administration loans, and replacing lost or damaged documents such as Social Security cards, VA records, military medals and records, and tax paperwork. If you are in need of assistance, you can reach my Bowling Green office at (270) 782-8303, and one of my staff members will be happy to help. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Kentucky for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses due to flash floods, hail, high winds, and lightning that occurred from July 25 – 26, 2023. The declaration includes Madison County and the contiguous counties of Clark, Estill, Fayette, Garrard, Jackson, Jessamine, and Rockcastle in Kentucky. For more details on Kentucky disaster relief information please visit HERE. For the latest information about the federal government’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Kentucky, please visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Kentucky disaster webpage: www.fema.gov/disaster/4663 For the latest information about the Commonwealth’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Kentucky, including information about volunteering and donating critical supplies, please visit Kentucky Emergency Management (KY-EM)’s webpage: kyem.ky.gov Have an Issue or Concern? If you are a Kentucky resident and need assistance with any federal agency, feel free to complete a Privacy Release Form HERE. If you have any questions, contact my state office at (270) 782-8303. One of my staff members will be more than happy to assist you. Si usted es un residente de Kentucky y necesita asistencia con alguna agencia federal y necesita ayuda en español puede contactar a mi directora de Asuntos Externos Ximena Barreto a: ximena_barreto@paul.senate.gov o al número: (270) 782-8303, ella estará feliz de ayudarle. Stay in Touch with Dr. Paul You can stay up to date on my latest news and activities by visiting my Senate Website, www.paul.senate.gov, or my official Facebook and Twitter pages. You can watch my Senate floor speeches and press interviews on Rumble HERE. Warm Regards,  Washington, D.C. 295 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-4343 Bowling Green, KY Phone: 270-782-8303 |