Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement his staff released on his social media accounts Sunday afternoon.
“He is feeling fine and is in quarantine. He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person,” according to the statement.
“He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time. Ten days ago, our D.C. office began operating remotely, hence virtually no staff has had contact with Senator Rand Paul.”
Paul, in the past week especially, has said the federal government must exercise good judgment while combating this nation’s coronavirus outbreak.
Paul, for instance, said on his official Facebook page that “a quick, strong, and effective pandemic response” involves “cutting as much red tape as possible.”
Paul introduced two bills, the first of which he said would help senior citizens keep the money they saved over their lifetimes. That bill, he said, would eliminate current law that forces people, starting in their early 70s, to withdraw a required minimum from certain tax-advantaged IRAs and traditional IRAs each year.
“Right now, if they don’t take out the correct amount, they face a 50 percent tax on the difference,” Paul said.
“It’s time for this requirement to go!”
Paul’s second bill would prevent Financial Industry Regulatory Authority officials from inspecting private homes, where more Americans are now working because of the coronavirus emergency.
Under existing law, FINRA officials may inspect offices, including private residences where people work, to ensure those workers comply with laws and regulations.
Paul, on Facebook, also said this week that we should never forget fiscal responsibility, even in a crisis.
“We should pay for any new federal funding by taking that money from areas of the budget where it is not being used wisely,” Paul said.
“The next time, maybe in the not-too-distant future, our children may not even be able to borrow their way out of a crisis because of Congress’ massive, unbalanced spending.”
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Senator Rand Paul” by Senator Rand Paul.
