Funding Corruption and Waste in Afghanistan

Last week, GOP chairman Michael Steele came under fire for daring to say what a lot of Americans already know – that our involvement in Afghanistan is an ill-advised quagmire with no end in sight. After nearly 10 years and approaching $1 trillion spent, the conflict is going nowhere because there is nowhere for it … Continue reading “Funding Corruption and Waste in Afghanistan”

The War That’s Not a War

Statement in the House by Rep. Ron Paul of Texas on funding the war in Afghanistan. In January 1991, we went to war in the Middle East against Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s dictator who was our ally during the Iran-Iraq war. A border dispute between Kuwait and Iraq broke out after our State Department gave a … Continue reading “The War That’s Not a War”

Military Spending Must Be on the Table

Click here to listen to this commentary. This past week various news events once again made it abundantly clear that our foreign policy is an abject failure. Unfortunately, in spite of this, the administration is determined to stay on this destructive course, despite any past promises to change it. For Afghanistan especially, if ever there … Continue reading “Military Spending Must Be on the Table”

Justice Department’s History Not Worth Celebrating

Statement on H. Res. 1422, made June 24, 2010. Madam Speaker, the House of Representatives recently considered H. Res. 1422, honoring the 140th anniversary of the Department of Justice. I voted against this resolution because of the Justice Department’s history of violating individual rights. It is the Justice Department that leads the ongoing violations of … Continue reading “Justice Department’s History Not Worth Celebrating”

More Blank Checks to the Military-Industrial Complex

Click here to listen to this speech. Congress, with its insatiable appetite for spending, is set to pass yet another “supplemental” appropriations bill in the next two weeks. So-called supplemental bills allow Congress to spend beyond even the 13 annual appropriations bills that fund the federal government. These are akin to a family that consistently … Continue reading “More Blank Checks to the Military-Industrial Complex”

Supporting the War Instead of the Troops

To listen to this speech, click here. Last week, Congress debated a resolution directing the president to withdraw our troops from Afghanistan no later than the end of this year. The Constitution gives the power to declare war to the Congress, so it is clearly appropriate for Congress to assert its voice on matters of … Continue reading “Supporting the War Instead of the Troops”

Stay Out of Yemen!

Statement before the House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing: “Yemen on the Brink: Implications for U.S. Policy” February 3, 2010 Mr. Chairman, I am extremely concerned over current US policy toward Yemen, which I believe will backfire and leave the United States less safe and much poorer. Increasing US involvement in Yemen may be sold as … Continue reading “Stay Out of Yemen!”

Iran Sanctions Are Precursor to War

Listen to Rep. Ron Paul on the Iran sanctions bill (MP3). Last week the House overwhelmingly approved a measure to put a new round of sanctions on Iran. If this measure passes the Senate, the United States could no longer do business with anyone who sold refined petroleum products to Iran or helped them develop … Continue reading “Iran Sanctions Are Precursor to War”

Sanctioning Iran a Dangerous, Illegal Move

Before the United States House of Representatives, statement opposing the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act I rise in strongest opposition to this new round of sanctions on Iran, which is another significant step toward a U.S. war on that country. I find it shocking that legislation this serious and consequential is brought up in such … Continue reading “Sanctioning Iran a Dangerous, Illegal Move”