Sen. Rand Paul walks out of Homeland Security committee hearing in protest

OAN Roy Francis
UPDATED 9:53 AM PT – Thursday, March 16, 2023

Rand Paul (R.Ky.), stormed out from the hearing of the Homeland Security Committee and suggested that all Republicans leave the meeting on Wednesday.

After Peters had blocked all Republican amendments to the Fire Grants and Safety Act, Paul and Senator Gary Peters (D.Mich.) argued during the hearing.

“We have what, unlimited second-degree amendments?” Paul said.

Peters told Paul then that he did not have the authority to call an amendment to a vote.

“You can’t call it up, senator, only the chair,” Peters said. “You weren’t recognized to call it for a vote. Only the chairman can do that. The chair can call up the amendments as the chair sees fit.”

“If this is the way you’re going to run the committee, I would suggest that Republicans leave,” The Republican Senator replied. “I don’t see why we should stick around if you’re going to make up the rules. I mean you’re going to offer up a third-degree amendment.”

Senator Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., tried to calm the situation by suggesting to everyone to “take a couple minutes, lower the temperature, just figure out the procedure.”

“I, for one, won’t stay here and recommend that no Republican stay here if we’re going to have third-degree amendments that only the majority gets to offer,” Paul said this, while continuing to argue against Peters’ efforts.

During the hearing, the Republican Senator expressed frustration after he presented several amendments to the bill. However, Peters blocked each amendment with secondary amendments that rendered the Republican’s amendments null.

Paul offered an amendment to withhold federal grants to fire departments that had terminated firefighters because they refused the COVID-19 vaccination or spoke against the mandate. The fire departments could regain these funds if they reinstate those individuals with backpay.

Peters countered the amendment with language that would have required the U.S. accountant to audit the departments and provide reports.

The Republican offered an amendment to stop any National Institutes of Health funding being directed to China. “gain of function” Research on coronavirus and Wuhan at other facilities.

 Peters included language to ban money from Fire Grants and Safety Acts “from being provided to a Chinese fire department.”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Paul complained as his frustration simmered. “This is legislative legerdemain to obscure the fact that you’re trying to not vote directly on this.”

 Paul said that it was the first time Paul had seen this happen. “we’ve gotten second-degree amendments on every one of our amendments.”  

Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Senators Josh Hawley (R. Missouri) and Senator James Lankford, R. Oklahoma, decided to stay in that room after Paul left to vote for amendments changed by the Democrats.

“Typically in that committee, we just have votes,” Lankford stated. “When we can’t work it out behind the scenes, we have a vote and not replace someone’s vote. We got to actually take votes.”

Peters expressed his excitement at the opportunity to work with Paul, and hoped to find common ground as they move forward.

“I look forward to working with Sen. Paul and hopefully we can find common ground to go forward,” He stated. “Some of the amendments he offered were not germane to the substance of the bill that we were dealing with.”

Kaya Jones

Jenna Ellis

Melissa Melendez

Teddy Daniels

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