Update from Dr. Rand Paul

 
Dr. Rand Paul Meets with Kentuckians in Columbia

Recently, I had the honor of attending a morning meet and greet hosted by Mayor Pamela Hoots at the local VFW chapter in Columbia. It was a great opportunity to connect with our dedicated law enforcement officers and community members. We had meaningful discussions about critical issues affecting our nation, including the urgent need to protect our cities and secure our border. 
 
We also addressed the security failures behind the attempted assassination of President Trump. I discussed my bipartisan investigation as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee into the attempt. 
 
We have an obligation to unearth the truth about the failures that occurred that day and before then, no matter how inconvenient to the government. We will leave no stone unturned. The safety and security of all Americans is my top priority.

Dr. Rand Paul Tours Southern Kentucky Distillery in Burkesville 

After my stop in Columbia, I headed to Burkesville to tour the newly opened Southern Kentucky Distillery. Founded by three local partners in 2022, this distillery has the distinct honor of producing the first legal bourbon in Cumberland County since the prohibition era. Located in the Foothill Mountains of Appalachia, between Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow Lake, and the Cumberland River, this distillery is set to become a significant attraction for both locals and visitors. It’s exciting to see this area, which was dry until 2016 when its residents voted it wet, embracing its rich heritage and contributing to Kentucky’s renowned bourbon legacy.

During my visit, I was able to witness firsthand the meticulous process of crafting their spirits. Southern Kentucky Distillery offers an impressive range of products, including the premium Ancient Sun Vodka, the aged Broadhead Bourbon, and the traditional Slate Fork Moonshine. Each product showcases the dedication of the founders, rooted in local history and tradition. This distillery not only enriches our local economy but also celebrates the heritage of our region.
 

Dr. Rand Paul Speaks at Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

I had the pleasure of speaking at the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon where I met with community leaders and small business owners to discuss the issues most important to them. High on the agenda was the impact of high inflation on their businesses and the local economy. It's clear that rising costs are squeezing small businesses and making it harder for families to make ends meet.
 
In the Senate, I remain committed to putting Kentucky first. We discussed my ongoing efforts to rein in wasteful spending and push for policies that foster economic growth and stability. Our small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and I will continue to fight for a more favorable economic environment that allows them to thrive. 

Waste Report Wrap Up

Every Wednesday, I highlight an area of government waste uncovered by my team and me. This past week, I shined a light on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases which spent $361,011 of your hard-earned taxpayer dollars on a study to determine if kids crave junk food and gain weight after continuous consumption.

Dr. Rand Paul Joins Sen. Eric Schmitt in Efforts to Retake Legislative Authority from Unaccountable Administrative State 
 
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Loper Bright, I joined forces with Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) to launch a major effort aimed at reclaiming legislative authority from administrative agencies and returning it to Congress, where it belongs. This initiative includes filing the Separation of Powers Restoration Act (SOPRA), establishing a Senate working group dedicated to this cause, and sending oversight letters demanding accountability from 101 agencies that have published more than 50 final rules since 2000. The Supreme Court’s decision to dismantle Chevron deference was a significant step, but we must continue to limit the power of unelected bureaucrats and ensure the courts interpret the law as intended by the Constitution.
 
My goal is to restore transparency, accountability, and a properly constrained government for all Kentuckians. 
 
You can read more about my efforts HERE.

Tips for Upcoming Summer Travel

As you prepare for summer travel, I want to provide some helpful information regarding international travel. 

• Research your destination. Before traveling, familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of your destination. Visit travel.state.gov/destination to review country-specific information on everything from entry requirements to what you can and CANNOT bring to the country. 
• Check your passport. Before making any definite or non-refundable travel plans, check your passport expiration date and consider processing times. Information on processing times is available at Travel.state.gov/passport.
• Pack carefully and inspect your suitcases. Look through every nook and cranny of your bags before you start packing to make sure you haven’t accidentally left stray ammunition or medication inside. Many countries have very harsh penalties for importing weapons, ammunition, or drugs – even if the item is legal in the United States.
• Save the contact info of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This information can be invaluable in emergency situations. 
• Understand your health insurance coverage. Look up which medical services your health insurance will cover overseas and consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected costs.  Medical evacuations can cost upwards of $100,000.
• Enroll in STEP.  Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive important safety and security updates, and to make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
• Stay Connected. Inform your family and friends of your travel plans. Follow @TravelGov on social media for real-time updates, travel advisory information, and helpful tips. 

If you are a Kentuckian in need of assistance, feel free to contact my state office at (270) 782-8303. My staff looks forward to assisting you on my behalf. 

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. 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Kentucky: Disaster Recovery Centers remain open in Carter, Greenup, and Fayette Counties to assist Kentucky survivors who experienced loss from the April 2 severe storms.

Carter County: 
Members Choice Credit Union – 438 Interstate Drive, Grayson, KY 41143
Monday-Friday: 10 am-7 pm ET
Saturday-Sunday: Closed  
 
Greenup County: 
Greenup County Courthouse – 301 Main St, Greenup, KY 41114
Monday-Friday: 10 am-7 pm ET
Saturday-Sunday: Closed  
 
Fayette County:  
Emergency Operations Center – 115 Cisco Road, Lexington, KY 40504
Monday-Friday: 10 am-7 pm ET
Saturday-Sunday: Closed  

Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) for the April 2, 2024 severe weather: Bell, Bourbon, Bracken, Bullitt, Carroll, Clark, Crittenden, Elliott, Fleming, Franklin, Garrard, Hardin, Henderson, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lewis, Madison, McCreary, Mercer, Owen, Robertson, Rowan, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, Webster and Woodford counties. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 24, 2025.

Kentucky businesses and residents affected by severe storms and tornadoes on March 14-15, 2024, are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. The declaration covers Trimble County and the adjacent counties of Carroll, Henry and Oldham.

Kentuckians can apply online and receive additional SBA disaster information at sba.gov/disaster.

If you are in need of assistance, you can reach my state office at (270) 782-8303, and one of my staff members will be happy to help. 

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 HERE.

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 X pages. 

You can watch my Senate floor speeches and press interviews on Rumble HERE.

Warm Regards, 
 Rand Paul