Rand Paul Lays Down His Red Line: The Single Change That Could Secure His 'Yes' Vote On Controversial Spending Bill

In a recent interview on NBC News' "Meet The Press," he indicated that his vote could swing to a 'yes' under certain conditions.

According to the Western Journal, Paul's primary concern is the proposed increase in the debt ceiling. He expressed his reservations, stating, "If they want my vote, they'll have to negotiate because I don't want to vote to raise the debt ceiling $5 trillion." He continued, "Congress is awful with money, and so you should give them a more restricted credit line, not an expansive one."

June 17, 2025

The senator acknowledged the necessity of raising the debt ceiling but advocated for a more conservative approach. He suggested that the ceiling should be raised incrementally, every three months, to allow for ongoing debate about the debt. He criticized the OBBB's proposal to increase the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, arguing that it would lead to a significant accumulation of debt by the end of the Trump administration.

In response to host Kristen Welker's question about what it would take to secure his 'yes' vote, Paul stated, "Separate out the debt ceiling and have a separate vote on it." He emphasized that his vote would not be the deciding factor, but his support could be won through negotiation. However, he also made it clear that he would not compromise his conservative principles for the sake of political expediency.

Paul's comments come at a time when the OBBB is facing a deadlock in the Senate. Fox News reported that Senate Republicans are unlikely to bring the bill to the floor for debate and a vote this week. Instead, deliberations are expected to commence on June 22, a decision that could potentially jeopardize the bill's final passage through the Senate and House by July 4.

Despite having already passed the House last month, the bill has faced criticism from Paul, who has advocated for less spending on border security within the OBBB. He suggested a more careful examination of the proposed $150 billion for border security, questioning the cost of building a wall.

However, South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, chair of the Senate Budget Committee, expressed skepticism about Paul's suggestions. He told ABC News, "Maybe we can find some savings there, but Sen. Paul's numbers are just not realistic."

As the OBBB continues to face hurdles in the Senate, the role of conservative voices like Senator Paul's in shaping the bill's future becomes increasingly significant. His insistence on fiscal responsibility and careful negotiation reflects the conservative values of limited government and individual freedom. Whether these principles will be incorporated into the final version of the OBBB remains to be seen.