President Trump has expressed his disapproval of Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) following Paul's objection to a legislative proposal aimed at halting congressional pay amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The proposal, introduced by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), sought to suspend salaries for members of Congress during the shutdown and eliminate any back pay once government operations resume. Trump criticized Paul's stance, describing it as "so interesting."
"Rand Paul, who never votes for anything, tried to stop it, because he wanted to be paid!" Trump remarked. "Rand wanted to pay the people who stopped Government from working! Whats going on with Rand?"
According to The Gateway Pundit, Kennedy's "No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act" was designed to ensure that lawmakers do not receive compensation while the government remains unfunded. However, when Kennedy sought unanimous consent for the bill's immediate passage, Paul objected. Paul argued, "I think its time that instead of closing the government down further, we begin to open up government," emphasizing that Senators "ought to be paid" even if they have not secured pay for others.
Paul, who identifies as a staunch conservative, defended his position by stating, "Im perhaps the most conservative member of the Senate. I vote to cut spending on everything." He further elaborated, "I think we spend way too much, but Im not for cutting the salaries of people who have a contract and who are doing their work."
The debate over congressional pay during government shutdowns highlights the broader discussion on fiscal responsibility and accountability within the legislative branch. While Kennedy's proposal aimed to hold lawmakers accountable, Paul's objection underscores the complexities of balancing fiscal conservatism with contractual obligations.
Login