Exclusive: Paul may be Senate’s next Republican health leader
Still, the Kentucky Republican hasn’t made a final decision. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is weighing a bid for the top Republican position on the Senate Health Committee next Congress after Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, indicated she wants to be the GOP’s top appropriator next year. “There’s probably not a better spot to be in Congress to oppose socialism than to be opposed to the No. 1 socialist in the Senate,” Paul said Monday, adding he hasn’t yet made a decision. “I’ve had interesting debates with Senator [Bernie] Sanders through the years, and whether I take seniority or not, it’ll be an interesting debate to have,” he continued, referring to the Vermont progressive set to lead the panel. Paul currently leads the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, a post he would need to relinquish to take the health role. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., acknowledged he would be interested in serving as ranking member on the committee if more senior lawmakers pass on the role. “I want them to make their decisions, I don’t want to pressure them in any way,” Hawley said.
Still, the Kentucky Republican hasn’t made a final decision. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is weighing a bid for the top Republican position on the Senate Health Committee next Congress after Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, indicated she wants to be the GOP’s top appropriator next year.
“There’s probably not a better spot to be in Congress to oppose socialism than to be opposed to the No. 1 socialist in the Senate,” Paul said Monday, adding he hasn’t yet made a decision. “I’ve had interesting debates with Senator [Bernie] Sanders through the years, and whether I take seniority or not, it’ll be an interesting debate to have,” he continued, referring to the Vermont progressive set to lead the panel. Paul currently leads the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, a post he would need to relinquish to take the health role.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., acknowledged he would be interested in serving as ranking member on the committee if more senior lawmakers pass on the role. “I want them to make their decisions, I don’t want to pressure them in any way,” Hawley said.