My office continues to closely monitor the situation in Israel and is here to help any Kentuckians who are traveling abroad and need assistance.
The Department of State has a 24/7 coordinating group communicating with U.S. citizens and providing them assistance through phone calls and an online form. U.S. citizens seeking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel can complete the crisis intake form on travel.state.gov, or call 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) or 1-606-641-0131 (U.S. local), 03-519-7426 (Israel local).
For the latest updates, please monitor the messages to U.S. citizens from the U.S. Embassy in Israel: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/
Any U.S. citizens in Israel should enroll their contact information in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/
Additional updates to the U.S. travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza as they are issued: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/IsraeltheWestBankandGaza.html
Last week, I had the privilege of engaging with students at Boyce College in Louisville. These interactions with young minds on college campuses are always a delight, as they provide an opportunity for me to have meaningful exchanges with our future leaders.
It is my greatest honor to serve as your voice in the United States Senate. I am thankful to the campus leaders of Boyce College for allowing me to hear directly from these engaged students and discuss the pressing issues facing our country.
Recently, as a continuation of my efforts to restore Congress’s Constitutional war powers and to address the deteriorating political situation that poses increased risk to U.S. troops in Niger, I forced the U.S. Senate to vote on my resolution directing the President to remove all U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Niger within 30 days of its enactment.
A group of 10 other Senators supported my resolution in a bipartisan manner. Meanwhile, 86 Senate Republicans and Democrats voted against the removal of U.S. troops in Niger amidst a military coup, further entangling America in another foreign conflict.
Notably, Congress never voted to send troops to Niger in the first place. Presidents of both parties have used the September 11th, 2001, authorization to justify wars in dozens of countries, from Afghanistan, to Libya, to Syria, to Somalia, to Yemen. Niger is but one of the over 20 countries that the United States conducts military operations in, supposedly justified by the 9/11 authorization of military force.
The impetus for this war powers resolution is the July 26th coup in which members of Niger’s presidential guard, including some officers who were trained by the United States, removed the democratically-elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, from power. Moreover, the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, an organization of 15 countries, declared its intention to intervene militarily if President Bazoum is not restored to power.
In September, Mali and Burkina Faso, two countries that have experienced their own armed-coups in recent years, signed a mutual defense pact with Niger and stated they will fight on behalf of the new military junta if the Economic Community of West African States invades.
Niger’s new leaders have put its military on maximum alert citing an increased threat of attack. For its part, the Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions, instituted a no-fly zone, and closed border crossings. Recent reports indicate that Nigerien troops have been deployed along the border with Benin.
The Sahel is a powder keg and we have over 1,000 U.S. military personnel sitting in the middle of it. American forces face a very real risk of being caught in the crossfire of a regional African war.
So, we must ask, what are we doing in Niger? As I mentioned earlier, Congress never voted to send troops there. Congress certainly never authorized the use of military force there. Yet, on multiple occasions, U.S. forces in Niger have engaged in firefights with hostile groups. And sadly, American lives have been lost.
To commit America’s military to fight wars on behalf of the nation is the most consequential and humbling responsibility that Congress is entrusted with.
Therefore, can we not, at the very least, muster the courage to debate? If America’s interest in Niger is of such vital importance that we ask our young men and women to fight and potentially pay the ultimate sacrifice to defend it, we at least owe our servicemembers a debate in Congress.
My resolution was an opportunity to tell you, the American people that we will no longer stand idly by as the President sends our sons and daughters into harm’s way, to fight wars with no clear objective, with no definition of victory, with no exit strategy and with no constitutional authorization.
You can learn more about my Niger War Powers Resolution HERE and can watch my full floor remarks HERE. You can also see the full vote tally HERE.
Dr. Rand Paul Highlights Kentucky Tourism
Located on the eastern side of the Mississippi River lies Red River Gorge. Nestled inside the Daniel Boone National Forest, this stunning location offers a range of exciting activities such as rock climbing, ziplining, and cabin rentals.
The Big Red is a place for everyone, regardless of age. From hiking to exploring the Gorge Underground, there are breathtaking views and incredible sights to experience for visitors of all interests.
You can learn more about the historic Red River Gorge HERE.
Kentucky Disaster Assistance
I remain committed to doing all that I can to assist local and state officials as they continue to manage the recovery effort, and my office is standing by to help those who are in need of help with denied FEMA claims, applying for Small Business Administration loans, and replacing lost or damaged documents such as Social Security cards, VA records, military medals and records, and tax paperwork.
If you are in need of assistance, you can reach my Bowling Green office at (270) 782-8303, and one of my staff members will be happy to help.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Kentucky for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses due to flash floods, hail, high winds, and lightning that occurred from July 25 – 26, 2023.
The declaration includes Madison County and the contiguous counties of Clark, Estill, Fayette, Garrard, Jackson, Jessamine, and Rockcastle in Kentucky.
For more details on the U.S. Small Business Administration's recent announcement, please visit HERE.
For more details on Kentucky disaster relief information please visit HERE.
For the latest information about the federal government’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Kentucky, please visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Kentucky disaster webpage: www.fema.gov/disaster/4663
For the latest information about the Commonwealth’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Kentucky, including information about volunteering and donating critical supplies, please visit Kentucky Emergency Management (KY-EM)’s webpage: kyem.ky.gov
Have an Issue or Concern?
If you are a Kentucky resident and need assistance with any federal agency, feel free to complete a Privacy Release Form HERE. If you have any questions, contact my state office at (270) 782-8303. One of my staff members will be more than happy to assist you.
Si usted es un residente de Kentucky y necesita asistencia con alguna agencia federal y necesita ayuda en español puede contactar a mi directora de Asuntos Externos Ximena Barreto a: ximena_barreto@paul.senate.gov o al número: (270) 782-8303, ella estará feliz de ayudarle.
Stay in Touch with Dr. Paul
You can stay up to date on my latest news and activities by visiting my Senate Website, www.paul.senate.gov, or my official Facebook and Twitter pages.
You can watch my Senate floor speeches and press interviews on Rumble HERE.
Warm Regards,
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