Political Quotes

Rand Paul: A freelance journalist discovered recently that billions of dollars had been stolen from welfare programs in Minnesota.…

On the recordJanuary 30, 2026
A freelance journalist discovered recently that billions of dollars had been stolen from welfare programs in Minnesota. Congress didn't discover this theft; a member of the public did. How did Congress respond? Did Congress open an investigation? Did Congress claw back the money from Minnesota? No. Congress simply decided to give another $5 billion in refugee welfare. My amendment says: Stop. No more welfare for refugees until there is a nationwide investigation of the level of this fraud. No more welfare for refugees until Congress balances the budget. America can't be the world's sugar daddy when we can't even afford welfare for our own citizens. Many refugees are good people--frankly, some of the best Americans just got here--but our welcome mat should not be a welfare check. Anyone who sponsors immigrants or refugees should be responsible for their welfare. Charity is when you give your money. Any groups assisting immigrants or refugees should themselves be responsible for the welfare of the refugees. So my amendment will remove from the bill a little over $5 billion from the refugee welfare programs. I ask for a 'yes' vote.
Said by
Rand Paul
Republican · Kentucky

Editor's note · Context

Addressing welfare fraud and proposing an amendment to limit refugee welfare funding.

Share

More from Rand Paul

Jul 23, 2026

The Iran war has not been a success.

cbsnews.com
Aug 7, 2026

We only have one question: Whether to hold a witness responsible for his contempt toward Congress.

cbsnews.com
Jul 29, 2026

It does not erase documents. It does not convert a misleading statement into a truthful one.

georgiarecorder.com
Aug 7, 2026

Imposing a 100 percent tariff on all goods imported from countries like China and India is the economic equivalent of shooting ourselves in the foot.

dailycaller.com

Other voices in this conversation