Rubio Joins Paul In 13 Hour Senate Filibuster

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) spoke on the Senate floor for nearly 13 hours yesterday in a filibuster to block the U.S. Senate confirmation of John Brennan who was nominated by the Obama Administration for Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.  

At issue is the ability of President Obama to order drone strikes against Americans on U.S. soil.

Paul's filibuster, known as the #standwithrand hashtag on Twitter, instantly trended overnight with many comments comparing the junior Senator from Kentucky to the famous filibuster scene in the classic movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. 


Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) was one of the few Republican Senators who joined in the filibuster to support Paul.  Rubio jokingly said to Paul, "Let me give you some free advice, keep some water nearby."

"These issues must be discussed openly so that the American people can understand what constraints exist on the government's power to use lethal force against its citizens.  Before confirming Mr. Brennan as the head of the CIA, it must be apparent that he understands and will honor the protections provided to every American by the Constitution," Senator Paul said in a February press release.

On March 4, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder sent a letter to Senator Paul confirming that President Obama has the power to order drones attacks on Americans.  "It is possible, I suppose, to imagine an extraordinary circumstance in which it would be necessary and appropriate under the Constitution and applicable laws of the United States for the President to authorize the military to use lethal force within the territory of the United States," Holder said in his letter.