Senator Rand Paul Filibusters Over Drone Attacks On Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is in the midst of 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. 

"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.