In a long speech intended to tie up the Senate for hours, Rand Paul (with the help of a few other libertarian-minded senators, including Mike Lee) urges Americans to “open rebellion” against the government’s surveillance practices.
Reports The Hill:
Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) also came to the floor to speak with Paul during his hours-long speech, relieving the Kentucky Republican senator for minutes at a time.
Lee said that while he and Paul disagree on what should be done on NSA reform, he came to the Senate floor because he supports an “open” debate and amendment process.
“I absolutely stand with the junior senator from Kentucky and more importantly, I stand with the American people with regard to the need for a transparent, open amendment process and for an open, honest debate,” Lee said.
Senators are facing a looming deadline for action on the Patriot Act, with key provisions set to expire June 1.
