Intervention Backfires in Libya

The attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya and the killing of the U.S. ambassador and several aides is another tragic example of how our interventionist foreign policy undermines our national security. The more the U.S. tries to control the rest of the world, whether by democracy promotion, aid to foreign governments, or bombs, the … Continue reading “Intervention Backfires in Libya”

Military ‘Cuts’: Don’t Believe the Hype

Listen to Rep. Paul deliver this address. Grover Norquist, the influential conservative activist, recently made some very frank and sobering remarks about the U.S. military budget. Unlike many conservatives, Mr. Norquist understands that American national security interests are not served by the interventionist foreign policy mindset that has dominated both political parties in recent decades. … Continue reading “Military ‘Cuts’: Don’t Believe the Hype”

Moving Toward War in Syria

Listen to Rep. Paul deliver this address. Last week, the House passed yet another bill placing sanctions on Iran and Syria, bringing us closer to another war in the Middle East. We are told that ever harsher sanctions finally will force the targeted nations to bend to our will. Yet the ineffectiveness of previous sanctions … Continue reading “Moving Toward War in Syria”

When Will We Attack Syria?

Plans, rumors, and war propaganda for attacking Syria and deposing Assad have been around for many months. This past week, however, it was reported that the Pentagon indeed has finalized plans to do just that. In my opinion, all the evidence to justify this attack is bogus. It is no more credible than the pretext … Continue reading “When Will We Attack Syria?”

Unconstitutional Use of Drones Must Stop

Listen to Rep. Paul deliver this address. Last week I joined several of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama requesting clarification of his criteria for the lethal use of drones overseas. Administration officials assure us that a “high degree of confidence” is required that the person targeted by a drone is a … Continue reading “Unconstitutional Use of Drones Must Stop”

Are You Ready for War With Syria?

Listen to Rep. Paul deliver this address. War drums are beating again in Washington. This time Syria is in the crosshairs after a massacre there last week left more than 100 dead. As might be expected from an administration with an announced policy of “regime change” in Syria, the reaction was to blame only the … Continue reading “Are You Ready for War With Syria?”

On Indefinite Detention: The Tyranny Continues

Listen to Rep. Paul deliver this address. The bad news from last week’s passage of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act is that Americans can still be arrested on U.S. soil and detained indefinitely without trial. Some of my colleagues would like us to believe that they fixed last year’s infamous Sections 1021 and 1022 … Continue reading “On Indefinite Detention: The Tyranny Continues”

Dangerous Legislation

I strongly oppose H Res 568, a resolution "expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability." Once again we see on the "suspension" calendar, which is customarily reserved for non-controversial legislation, a resolution designed to move the US toward a … Continue reading “Dangerous Legislation”

Bad for America, Bad for Israel, Bad for the World

Mr. Speaker: I rise in opposition to H.R. 4133, the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, which unfortunately is another piece of one-sided and counterproductive foreign policy legislation. This bill’s real intent seems to be more saber-rattling against Iran and Syria, and it undermines U.S. diplomatic efforts by making clear that the U.S. is not … Continue reading “Bad for America, Bad for Israel, Bad for the World”

Enduring Commitments Abroad

Listen to Rep. Paul deliver this address. Last week President Obama made a surprise pre-dawn trip to Afghanistan to mark the one-year anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden and to sign a document further extending the U.S. presence in that country. The president said, “We’re building an enduring partnership. … As you stand … Continue reading “Enduring Commitments Abroad”