Rand Paul Storms out of Senate Panel Meeting After Heated Exchange Over Amendments

After a heated exchange between Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Sen. Rand Paul (R.Ky.), Senator Rand Paul organized a walkout at the Senate Homeland Security Committee’s markup of Fire Grants and Safety Act.

“If this is the way you’re going to run the committee, I would suggest that Republicans leave. I don’t see why we should stick around if you’re going to make up the rules,” Peters was the first to hear it.

Paul was frustrated by Peters’ use procedural maneuvers that effectively prevented Democrats from voting on Republican amendments to the Fire Funding and Safety Act, expressed frustration.

Peters proposed second degree amendments to Republican-sponsored Amendments. This would essentially remove their content.

Paul’s proposal would allow fire departments to apply for federal funds for employees who were fired for refusing vaccinations. If they reinstate and pay those individuals, Paul’s proposal would work.

Peters, however nullified Paul’s proposal by adding language requiring the United States Comptroller General to audit and report on any obstacles that prevent fire departments from receiving funding.

The amended amendment was passed on a party-line vote. All Democrats present voted in favor of the amendment and all Republicans voted against it.

Tensions rose and Sen. Kyrsten Silena (I-Ariz.), tried to calm them by stating that there was no reason for their committee to seek a hostile environment.

“There’s no need for us to turn this committee hearing into a partisan, ugly place like we’ve seen in other committees,” She said.

Peters said was repelled by Paul. “This is the first time we’ve had a hearing since I’ve been here … that we’ve gotten second-degree amendments on every one of our amendments.”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Paul objected to one point as Peters continued to modify his amendments. “This is legislative legerdemain to obscure the fact that you’re trying to not vote directly on this.”

Paul did eventually leave while Senators Josh Hawley, (R-Mo.), remained and voted against Peters’s modifications. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Paul did leave. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) however, stayed and voted against Peters’s modifications.

After the moderate former Senator, Paul was elected the ranking member to the committee. Rob Portman, R-Ohio), resigned last term.

“The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s mission of oversight and investigations is critical to Congress reasserting itself and as Ranking Member, I look forward to continuing the storied history of this committee’s leadership in consequential bipartisan oversight and investigations,” Paul spoke when he announced the new position.

“Given the committee’s duty to conduct oversight over the entire government, I remain hopeful that we will pursue robust and bipartisan investigations into government censorship and the origins of COVID.”