Rand Paul’s Epic Filibuster Assaults Unconstitutional Spy Program [PODCAST]

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky took to the floor yesterday to mount an epic filibuster in defense of civil liberties. Paul’s 11 hour speech ended just before midnight, and placed him center stage in the debate against the NSA’s unconstitutional warrantless wiretapping programs.

Paul was joined in his filibuster by some Democrats who helped him maintain his voice by asking him questions. Paul was able to drink water and eat some candies to maintain his strength, while fellow presidential contenders Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz looked on.

Paul’s filibuster was chided by some, who argued that his speech was not actually holding up the renewals of key portions of the PATRIOT ACT. But for the senator’s supporters, it was an important stand against the NSA’s powers to collect phone records of American citizens.

The House of Representatives passed legislation that would end the warrantless surveillance, and President Obama stated his intent to sign such legislation if it reached his desk. But Paul’s greatest obstacles to achieving such a measure would ironically come from one of his best friends and allies, the senior senator from Kentucky, Mitch McConnell.

McConnell plainly wants to reauthorize the government to continue the program, and his powerful role as senate majority leader will give him wide latitude to block any attempts at reform. Will McConnell and Paul go head-t0-head in the coming weeks? Only time will tell.

Today’s episode of the Freedom Report podcast welcomes a new guest host and intern for The Libertarian Republic, Laura Meyers. Please give her a warm welcome to the show by subscribing to The Freedom Report on iTunes, and leaving us a 5-star, and positive written review.