Paul, Massie stick to their guns on the 'big, not-so-beautiful' bill, arguing debt is a deal-breaker
By Josh James
June 30, 2025 at 7:32 PM EDT
Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul was one of just two Republican votes against a key procedural move on the massive spending and taxing package over the weekend.
Paul has been a consistent critic of one aspect in particular of the multitrillion dollar bill. And when it came time to advance the measure this weekend, he hammered away at the topic again in explaining his "no" vote.
https://x.com/SenRandPaul/status/1939428146614247540
"In deciding whether to vote for the big, not-so-beautiful bill, I've asked a very specific question. Will the deficit be more or less next year? The answer, without question, is this bill will grow the deficit," he explained in a floor speech.
It's also proven to be a red line for another Kentucky legislator on the Hill — House member Thomas Massie, who described the bill as a "fiscal suicide pact between the White House and Republicans in Congress."
Other Kentucky leaders in Washington, most notably Congressman Andy Barr, remain staunch proponents of advancing the president's agenda through the wide-reaching legislation.
The self-imposed deadline for the president and the Republican Congress remains July 4.
https://x.com/SenRandPaul/status/1939428146614247540
"In deciding whether to vote for the big, not-so-beautiful bill, I've asked a very specific question. Will the deficit be more or less next year? The answer, without question, is this bill will grow the deficit," he explained in a floor speech.
It's also proven to be a red line for another Kentucky legislator on the Hill — House member Thomas Massie, who described the bill as a "fiscal suicide pact between the White House and Republicans in Congress."
Other Kentucky leaders in Washington, most notably Congressman Andy Barr, remain staunch proponents of advancing the president's agenda through the wide-reaching legislation.
The self-imposed deadline for the president and the Republican Congress remains July 4.