U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky says he does not support President Trump’s executive orders extending additional unemployment benefits and deferring federal income tax payments and he won’t support a stimulus package for state and local governments.
The president’s order extends another $300 weekly from the federal government’s natural disaster fund to those drawing unemployment and would require states to pay another $100—though whether the president can require states to comply is up for debate.
Senator Paul believes the president went “too far” with his orders.
He’s also not a fan of the federal government borrowing additional trillions of dollars.
The Bowling Green Republican says he wouldn’t support a stimulus package to help state and local governments hit hard by lost revenue from pandemic shutdowns, believing it lessens the incentive for governors to reopen the economy.
Senator Paul is optimistic about a COVID-19 vaccine being effective and believes the proper procedures are being followed to be sure it’s safe. He says elderly folks in long-term care facilities and individuals with compromised immune systems should be among the first to be offered the vaccine.
You can listen to the entire interview below: