Sen. Rand Paul on Wednesday afternoon took to the Senate floor in an attempt to block the renewal of key provisions of the Patriot Act that allow the government to collect phone data on millions of Americans.
The Kentucky Republican began speaking at about 1:20 p.m. to voice his opposition to renew the program, which he believes is unconstitutional.
“The people don’t want the bulk collection of their records. And if we were listening we’d hear that,” Paul said.
The Senate is considering this week whether to reauthorize Section 215 of the Patriot Act or reform the law to rein in the government’s sweeping powers to collect phone metadata on millions of Americans in an effort to thwart terrorist plots.
While Paul’s press secretary said Paul will “discuss at length his opposition to the extension of the Patriot Act,” Paul’s time on the Senate floor isn’t technically a filibuster since the Senate is not currently debating bills related to the Patriot Act.
Paul and Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who has also led the charge against the NSA’s domestic spy powers, are offering up amendments to the USA Freedom Act, a reform bill the House overwhelmingly passed last week. Paul and Wyden are pushing for additional reforms not included in the measure, a compromise bill between reform advocates in the House and House Republican leadership.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Paul’s fellow Kentucky senator, is staunchly opposed to NSA reforms, but said he would allow a vote on the legislation.
Passage on that bill is anything but certain though, with some senators supportive of moderate reforms hoping to weaken the bill, while others, like Paul and Wyden, want the bill to do more.
Paul voted against allowing debate on a previous version of the USA Freedom Act last year, saying it did not go far enough.