Rand Paul Vs The Patriot Act

Rand Paul Single-Handedly Halts Vote on PATRIOT Act ReauthorizationRand Paul Single-Handedly Halts Vote on PATRIOT Act Reauthorization

Rand Paul Single-Handedly Halts Vote on PATRIOT Act Reauthorization

by E.D. Kain

It appears Rand Paul isn’t folding on the PATRIOT Act after all – at least, not yet:

Sen. Rand Paul has single-handedly stopped the extension of three key provisions of the Patriot Act until after they expire at midnight Thursday. Unless he folds.

The Senate voted to end debate on the measure, but Sen. Paul, a Kentucky Republican, is insisting the Senate debate the measure for a full 30 hours, which would extend beyond the midnight expiration. Mr. Paul’s tactic is procedural: By not agreeing to a request for unanimous consent to yield back debate time, he can insist the debate continues until 7a.m. Friday, past the midnight expiration of the provisions. Mr. Paul, a libertarian who opposes the Patriot Act, could change course and allow a vote before the provisions expire.

Here’s hoping Paul digs in and sticks this one out. He is quickly becoming the most important man in the Senate. I hope the American people, and the citizens of Kentucky, realize just how important. We’ll see what happens. With Wyden’s amendment withdrawn, Paul remains the only obstacle.