Challenges in the Life of Rand Paul in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Rand Paul's life and career.

Rand Paul is an American politician and the junior United States Senator from Kentucky since 2011. A Republican, he identifies as a constitutional conservative and a supporter of the Tea Party movement. Paul is known for his libertarian-leaning views, which are often compared to those of his father, Ron Paul, a former U.S. Representative and presidential candidate. He advocates for limited government, individual liberties, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. Paul has been a vocal critic of government spending, surveillance programs, and military interventions, often taking stances that differentiate him from mainstream Republican positions.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: Malpractice Lawsuit

Between 1993 and 2010, Paul faced two malpractice lawsuits, he was cleared in one case while the other was settled for $50,000.

2010: Malpractice Lawsuit

Between 1993 and 2010, Paul faced two malpractice lawsuits, he was cleared in one case while the other was settled for $50,000.

2011: Blocked refugee benefits bill

In October 2011, Rand Paul blocked a bill that would provide $36 million in benefits for elderly and disabled refugees, due to concerns that it could aid domestic terrorists. This was prompted by the arrest of two alleged terrorists in Bowling Green who had entered the United States through a refugee program and were receiving welfare benefits. Paul later lifted the hold after Democratic leaders agreed to hold a congressional hearing and request an investigation into the refugee selection process.

April 11, 2013: Filibuster Attempt on Gun Control Measures

On April 11, 2013, Rand Paul, along with Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, attempted a filibuster opposing legislative proposals to expand federal gun control measures. The filibuster was dismissed by cloture in a 68–31 vote.

July 19, 2013: Opposed Detroit Bailout

On July 19, 2013, in response to Detroit's declaration of bankruptcy, Rand Paul stated in an interview with Breitbart News that he would oppose a federal bailout, arguing that it would send the wrong message to other financially troubled cities.

October 2013: Plagiarism Controversy

In October 2013, Rand Paul faced controversy when it was discovered he had plagiarized from a Wikipedia article about the movie "Gattaca" during a speech supporting Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli. Subsequent evidence revealed other instances of plagiarism in speeches and in his book, "Government Bullies". As a result, The Washington Times ceased publishing his weekly column. Paul addressed the allegations, claiming he was being held to an "unfair standard" and pledged to restructure his office to prevent future mistakes.

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2013: Filibuster on John O. Brennan Nomination

On March 6-7, 2013, Rand Paul filibustered to delay the vote on John O. Brennan's nomination as Director of the CIA. Paul questioned the Obama administration's drone policy and its legal justification for potential use within the U.S., holding the floor for 12 hours and 52 minutes. He sought a pledge that non-combatants would not be targeted on U.S. soil, and Attorney General Eric Holder affirmed that the President is not authorized to deploy extrajudicial punishment without due process against non-combatant citizens. The filibuster ended with a cloture vote, and Brennan was later confirmed.

May 20, 2015: Spoke against Patriot Act Reauthorization

On May 20, 2015, Rand Paul spoke for ten and a half hours against the reauthorization of Section 215 of the Patriot Act.

February 2016: Opposed Obama's Supreme Court Nominee

In February 2016, specifically on February 15, Rand Paul indicated he would oppose any nomination by President Obama to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

May 6, 2016: Called on to stop blocking tax treaties

On May 6, 2016, President Obama called on Rand Paul to stop "blocking the implementation of tax treaties that have been pending for years", arguing that they assisted law enforcement in offshore investigations into tax evasion.

March 2017: Introduced Stop Arming Terrorists Act

In March 2017, Rand Paul introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act to prohibit the use of United States government funds to provide assistance to certain terrorist organizations and countries supporting them. Also in March 2017, Senator John McCain accused Paul of being an agent of Vladimir Putin after Paul objected to adding Montenegro to NATO.

April 2017: Questioned Syria Missile Strike

In April 2017, Rand Paul questioned President Trump's missile strike to Syria, stating that further action should require congressional authorization.

October 2017: Threatened to vote against Republican budget

In an October 2017 interview, Rand Paul confirmed he would not vote for the Republican budget in the Senate unless billions in spending were removed from the plan.

2017: Affordable Care Act repeal and replacement

Throughout March 2017, Rand Paul was actively involved in the debate over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, including demanding to see a copy of the House's bill, speaking with President Trump, and accusing House Speaker Paul Ryan of misleading portrayals.

February 2018: Voted against immigration framework

In February 2018, Rand Paul was one of fourteen Republican senators to vote against an immigration framework proposed by President Trump that called for $25 billion for border security in exchange for a pathway to citizenship for 1.8 million immigrants brought into the US illegally.

July 17, 2019: Rand Paul blocks 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund renewal

On July 17, 2019, Rand Paul blocked Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's motion for unanimous consent on a bill renewing the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, seeking a vote on an amendment to offset the spending with cuts. This led to criticism from Jon Stewart and John Feal.

2019: Paul votes against Trump's demand for emergency border funding

In 2019, Rand Paul was one of 11 Republicans to vote against Donald Trump's demand for "emergency border funding".

March 22, 2020: Tests positive for COVID-19

On March 22, 2020, Rand Paul announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He was the first member of the United States Senate to test positive.

September 2020: Paul Votes Against COVID-19 Aid Package

In September 2020, Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote against the COVID-19 aid package introduced by Mitch McConnell, citing concerns about the debt it would create.

September 23, 2020: Clash with Anthony Fauci

On September 23, 2020, at a Senate committee hearing, Rand Paul questioned Anthony Fauci about the CDC's COVID-19 mitigation recommendations, including mask-wearing and social distancing. Paul suggested New York's high fatality rate indicated insufficient mitigation, but Fauci countered that New York's success in controlling the virus was due to adhering to CDC guidelines.

July 2021: Debate with Anthony Fauci on COVID-19 origins

In July 2021, Rand Paul debated Anthony Fauci on the origin of COVID-19 at Senate hearings. Fauci responded to Paul's allegations and called him a liar.

August 2021: Suspension from YouTube

In August 2021, Rand Paul was suspended from YouTube for a week for violating its misinformation policy after publishing a video with false claims about mask effectiveness. He also released a video urging people to "resist" public health measures against COVID-19.

May 2022: Paul blocks $40 billion Ukraine aid bill

In May 2022, Rand Paul blocked a bipartisan bill providing $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, demanding a special inspector general be appointed to oversee the spending.

March 2023: Paul blocks Hawley's TikTok ban bill

In March 2023, Rand Paul blocked Senator Josh Hawley's "No TikTok on United States Devices Act", which aimed to ban the app TikTok in the U.S., citing First Amendment concerns and arguing it wouldn't necessarily protect user data.