Rand Paul Storms Out Of Hearing After Clashing With Dem Senator

Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul stormed out of a hearing Wednesday after clashing with Democratic Michigan Sen. Gary Peters.

During a Homeland Security Committee hearing, Paul introduced several amendments to the Fire Grants and Safety Act.  Peters shot down every suggestion, instead offering secondary amendments, which are an amendments to an amendment.

Of the suggestions, Paul put forward an amendment to make any fire department that axed non-COVID-19 vaccinated employees ineligible for federal grants. Peters then suggested in return that language should be included requiring audits and reports to be concluded on departments denied funds, garnering Democratic support and Republican opposition.

“We have what, unlimited second-degree amendments?” Paul said.

“We have a second-degree amendment, I’ve recognized myself for my second degree amendment,” Peters responded.

“Your second-degree amendment to a second-degree amendment,” Paul pressed.

The two then spat about whether Peters proposal was the second-degree amendment or if Paul’s was, as Paul’s proposal was a second-degree amendment to a previous amendment. Paul also argued he had the authority to introduce his second-degree amendment to which Peters argued to the contrary.

“If this is the way you’re going to run the committee, I would suggest that Republicans leave. I don’t see why we should stick around if you’re going to make up the rules. I mean you’re going to offer up a third-degree amendment,” Paul said. (RELATED: Rand Paul Presses Doctor On Vaccine Mandates, Asks Why Europe Gives More Freedoms Than America)

Independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema then jumped in, suggesting lawmakers “take a couple minutes, lower the temperature, just figure out what the procedure is.”

“There’s no need for us to turn this committee hearing into a partisan, ugly place like we’ve seen in other committees. We don’t need to do that.”

Paul doubled down, however, saying Peters could not offer up another amendment and criticized Democrats for rejecting every single Republican amendment.

“I, for one, won’t stay here and recommend that no Republican stay here if we’re going to have third-degree amendments that only the majority gets to offer.”

Paul was then seen leaving the hearing.