UPDATE: Kentucky Senator issues rundown of activities, waste

Dear Friend,

You can find my latest update below!

Dr. Rand Paul Is Making Trump’s Ban on Gain-of-Function Permanent and Stronger Through Legislation

President Trump signed an executive order banning dangerous gain-of-function research overseas—especially in adversarial nations like China and Iran. I support this step. But it’s not enough. Executive orders can be reversed. What we need is law—codified, permanent, enforceable.

Anthony Fauci and his NIH cronies funneled taxpayer dollars into labs that supercharged viruses in secret. Then they covered it up. FOIA emails prove they knew the virus looked engineered. They orchestrated a campaign of censorship, collusion, and deceit to dodge accountability. And they’re still doing it today.

That’s why I introduced the Risky Research Review Act—a bill that creates an independent board of scientists and national security experts to veto any federal funding for high-risk life sciences research. No more loopholes. No more “back channels.” No more mad scientists playing God on the taxpayer’s dime.

Trump’s executive order starts the job. My legislation finishes it.

Read more about the Risky Research Act HERE.

Dr. Rand Paul Calls for Immediate Action on Rescissions

Our national debt is over $36 trillion. Annual deficits exceed $2 trillion. Every borrowed dollar today is a future tax on our children.

The only responsible path forward starts with one simple step: pass a rescissions package now. A recessions package is legislation to enact President Trump’s proposed cuts to wasteful spending into law and would be considered under fast-track procedures on the Senate floor.

Congress must stop the endless spending spree and start cutting waste. No more excuses. No more delays. America’s fiscal survival depends on it. I’m frustrated. The American people deserve a Congress—and a government—that has the guts to cut waste. Not one that talks tough and folds before the fight even begins.

Dr. Paul Checks the Pulse of Kentucky’s Health Care System with the Kentucky Hospital Association

I had the opportunity to meet with the Kentucky Hospital Association to discuss the pressing challenges facing our state’s health care system. As a physician, I understand the strain our hospitals are under—from critical workforce shortages to the financial pressures of serving rural and underserved communities.

We talked about the urgent need to retain nursing talent, reduce bureaucratic burdens, and ensure that federal policies support, rather than hinder, access to care.

Behind the Scenes at Mammoth Cave: Our Visit to One of Kentucky’s Natural Wonders

Members of my staff were pleased to attend Mammoth Cave National Park’s May 7, 2025, Annual Congressional Briefing. Located in Southcentral Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is a unique and top tourist attraction for those in Kentucky and from all around the world. Pictured here is a photo of Olives Bower from the tour. Bower refers to a pleasant shady place under trees or climbing plants in a garden or wood. It was likely named for the tree roots shown here.

For more information on visiting Mammoth Cave National Park, please visit HERE.

 
Dr. Rand Paul Honors Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson

In Bowling Green, I had the privilege of recognizing Dr. Bob Jackson, the retiring President of Murray State University, for his years of dedicated service to Kentucky’s students, farmers, and rural communities. Under Dr. Jackson’s leadership, Murray State launched an accredited school of veterinary medicine—an achievement that will directly combat the shortage of large-animal vets and strengthen our state’s agricultural future. We’ve worked closely over the years, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together to support Kentucky’s farming families. I wish Dr. Jackson all the best as he steps into his new role as President Emeritus.

REAL ID Reminder for Summer Travelers

Planning a trip this summer? Don’t forget: starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States. If your license isn’t REAL ID-compliant (look for the star at the top), now’s the time to upgrade it. Don’t wait until the last minute—lines will only get longer as the deadline approaches. Learn more about REAL ID and acceptable forms of ID at tsa.gov/real-id.

Waste Report Wrap Up

Every Wednesday, I expose wasteful, ridiculous, and downright insulting ways Washington burns through your tax dollars. Recently, my team and I uncovered that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a staggering $2 million grant to study how children react to Facebook ads about food.

You read that right—while inflation crushes working families and our national debt spirals out of control, bureaucrats thought it was a good idea to spend millions on whether kids click “like” on pictures of cheeseburgers.

Kentucky Disaster Assistance

My office is standing by to help those who are in need of assistance with denied FEMA claims, applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, VA records, military medals and records, and tax paperwork.

Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the SBA to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Kentuckians can apply online and receive additional SBA disaster information at sba.gov/disaster.

Following the April 2025 severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding, FEMA has approved over $6.6 million in housing and other types of assistance as of May 5. FEMA has also conducted more than 1,600 home inspections across Kentucky.

Individual Assistance (IA) has been approved for the following counties: Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen, and Woodford. An additional 37 counties have submitted requests that are currently pending at FEMA headquarters.

Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation funding remain pending—an unusual delay that we are closely monitoring.

If your county has been approved for IA, feel free to contact my State Office at (270) 782-8303. We will monitor your FEMA application through the process once you have submitted it. My staff stands ready to assist you.

For more details on Kentucky disaster relief information, please visit HERE.

For the latest information about the federal government’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Kentucky, please visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Kentucky disaster webpage HERE.

For the latest information about the Commonwealth’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Kentucky, including information about volunteering and donating critical supplies, please visit Kentucky Emergency Management (KY-EM)’s webpage: kyem.ky.gov.

Have an Issue or Concern?

If you are a Kentucky resident and need assistance with any federal agency, feel free  to complete a Privacy Release Form HERE. If you have any questions, contact my State Office at (270) 782-8303. One of my staff members will be more than happy to assist you.

Si usted es un residente de Kentucky y necesita asistencia con alguna agencia federal y necesita ayuda en español puede contactar a mi directora de Asuntos Externos Ximena Barreto a: ximena_barreto@paul.senate.gov o al número: (270) 782-8303, ella estará feliz de ayudarle.

Stay in Touch with Dr. Paul

You can stay up to date on my latest news and activities by visiting my Senate Website, www.paul.senate.gov, or my official Facebook and X pages.

You can watch my Senate floor speeches and press interviews on Rumble HERE.

Warm Regards,