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Rand Paul

Rand Paul

United States Senator

Appears in 5 stories

Born: 1963 (age 63 years), Pittsburgh, PA
Party: Republican Party
Spouse: Kelley Paul (m. 1990)
Education: Duke University School of Medicine (1984–1988), Baylor University (1981–1984), Brazoswood High School (1981), and more
Children: Duncan Paul, William Paul, and Robert Paul

Notable Quotes

"The Constitution conferred the power to declare or initiate war to Congress for a reason, to make war less likely." — Statement on Iran war powers, March 2026

"My oath of office is to the Constitution, so with studied care, I must oppose another Presidential war." — March 2026

"The Constitution conferred the power to declare or initiate war to Congress for a reason, to make war less likely." — Senate floor statement, February 2026

Stories

Congress confronts its war powers as US-Iran conflict escalates without authorization

Rule Changes

Voted yes on every Senate war powers attempt; part of four-Republican bloc for May 19 procedural advance

The House voted 215-208 on June 3 to order President Trump to end military operations in Iran, the first time either chamber passed such a measure on a final vote since the conflict began February 28. Four Republicans broke with their leadership: Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky. The Senate advanced a parallel resolution 50-47 in May but has not scheduled a final vote.

Updated 5 hours ago

US and Israel launch joint military campaign against Iran

Force in Play

Co-leading bipartisan war powers resolution

Operation Epic Fury, launched jointly by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026, reached day 39 with the heaviest strikes yet on Iran. The campaign has confirmed over 9,000 targets hit, more than 130 naval vessels destroyed, and at least 55 senior regime leaders killed.

Updated 5 days ago

The Venezuela raid and congressional war powers

Force in Play

Voted against administration despite White House pressure

Congress hasn't declared war since 1942, though presidents have ordered 212 military strikes without formal declarations. On January 3, 2026, U.S. special forces raided Venezuela, captured President Nicolás Maduro in his residence, and flew him to New York to face narcoterrorism charges.

Updated May 22

The tanker hunt: Trump’s Venezuela “blockade” turns into Coast Guard seizures

Force in Play

Calling the tanker seizures a provocation

The U.S. Coast Guard is now chasing a third Venezuela-linked tanker in international waters near Venezuela—under a judicial seizure order. Two other tankers have already been stopped in the past 11 days, including one dramatic helicopter boarding that the administration amplified on social media.

Updated May 15

Trump’s 2025 national security strategy revives Monroe Doctrine and pivots U.S. power to the Americas

Force in Play

Leading congressional critic of boat strikes and Venezuela operation

On December 5, 2025, the Trump administration released a 33-page National Security Strategy declaring a Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. The document formally revives the 19th-century idea of the Western Hemisphere as a U.S. sphere of influence and promises to reassert American preeminence across the Americas.

Updated May 10